Commander visits AFSC Airmen at Tinker

  • Published
  • By April McDonald
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center spent much of the day May 17 interacting with military and civilian Airmen across Tinker Air Force Base.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland visited the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, 448th Supply Chain Management Wing and 72nd Air Base Wing to better understand current activities at AFSC units on base.

At the OC-ALC, the general visited the B-52 Stratofortress programmed depot maintenance line in addition to the TF33 and F108 engine repair lines to get an update on parts availability.

Kirkland’s stop at the 448th SCMW included a briefing by the 448th Supply Chain Risk Management team, which highlighted current and future capabilities.

The day included a lunch with 72nd ABW Airmen at the Vanwey Dining Facility. Kirkland used that time to learn about each Airman’s background and contributions to the wing’s mission.  The group also discussed important topics impacting today’s Air Force, like Diversity and Inclusion.

“In my experience, Diversity and Inclusion are integral to our Air Force Core Values,” the general added, “our shared culture — and expectation — is to treat fellow Airmen with dignity and respect.”

On his stop by Fire Station 4, the general learned about the usage of hypochlorous acid in the COVID environment and how the ingenuity of the Tinker Fire and Emergency Services firefighters brought this money saving solution to Tinker.

The “TDY to Tinker” also included stops at the 72nd Medical Group, 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Child Development Center South and AFSC Directorate of Personnel.

The general recognized several members of Team Tinker throughout the day. Receiving coins were Edward Gadke, 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group; Andy Arnold, 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group; Marc Brady, 76th Commodities Maintenance Group; Benjamin Hester, 76th Software Maintenance Group; Becky Rodgers, 948th Supply Chain Management Group; Lana Alexander, 848th Supply Chain Management Group; Mary Duncan, 72nd Force Support Squadron; Candy Webb, 72nd MDG; Mike Frasco, 72nd LRS; and Bryan Jackson, 72nd FSS. He also presented 40-year-pins to Dale Zilar and Bessie Ford from the 848th SCMG and Derrell Dover, 948th SCMG.

“What you do is unique in the Air Force,” Kirkland told the AFSC workforce. “You are an important part of executing our mission and I appreciate all you do.”