Tinker Talks

On this episode of Tinker Talks, we’re discussing National Caribbean American Month 2024, recognized throughout the month of June. National Caribbean American Heritage Month has been designated by Presidential Proclamation since 2006.

The month honors the rich culture and heritage of Caribbean American people and recognizes their significant contributions to the United States of America.

We spoke with Nicola Maye-Leith, 72nd Air Base Wing’s director of integrated prevention about National Caribbean American Month, its significance, the contributions of Caribbean Americans, and cultural diversity.

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month and we’re talking about it on this episode of Tinker Talks. PTSD Awareness Month is dedicated to spreading awareness to PTSD and to encourage those struggling with symptoms of PTSD to seek treatment.

PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. People who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or physical or sexual assault may develop.

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Maj. Carla Turrentine, 72nd Medical Group, mental health element chief discusses National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, its symptoms, its prevalence in the military, PTSD treatment challenges and barriers to seeking help, and how the 72nd MDG supports personnel with mental illness.

The mission of Air Force defenders, also known as Security Forces, involves much more than just checking ID cards at base entry gates.

The 72 Security Forces Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base carries a wide range of responsibilities from defending the base, conducting installation law enforcement, handling combat arms and military working dogs. These defenders deploy globally to secure Department of the Air Force, joint service, coalition forces and their bases and assets under their protection.

To recognize and thank our defenders, Team Tinker will take part in National Police Week designated as May 10-17.

Several events are scheduled to observe Police Week including an opening and closing ceremony, bowling and golf tournament, ruck, defenders challenge and final guard mount.

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Lt. Col. Matthew Stillman, 72nd Security Forces Squadron commander, discusses more about the contribution of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron to Team Tinker, police week and improvements made to gate entry across the installation.

Col. Kenneth Voigt, Commander of the 552nd Air Control Wing (ACW), joins us on the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast.

Voigt assumed command of the 552 ACW in June 2023 and is no stranger to the wing, as 23 years ago he came to the 552 ACW as a 2nd Lieutenant air weapons officer and more recently served as the commander of the 552nd Air Control Group.

In this podcast, hosted by Mark Hybers, Voigt discusses the significance of the 552 ACW to the overall Department of Defense mission, the E-3’s replacement and why in the day in age of technology, that people are still at the heart of the mission.

The mission of the 552nd Air Control Wing, also known as America’s Wing, is to train, develop, and employ combat-ready Airmen and weapons systems to deliver decisive Command of the Air supporting America's national security priorities.

Brig. Gen. Brian Moore, commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base, joins Mark Hybers, 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, for the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast.

The Tinker Talks Podcast is a podcast dedicated to the latest events and happenings on one of the largest Air Force bases, “Tinker Talks” features various perspectives from the 5,600-acre installation.

Moore began his career in the United States Air Force in the mid-90s. He has held positions at the wing, major command, air staff and joint staff levels, to include squadron, group, and wing command, and the vice commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command.

In this podcast, Moore discusses his priorities, the future of the OC-ALC and what is behind 24 by 2024.

Col. Abby Ruscetta, the 72nd Air Base Wing Commander, and CMSgt. Jeffery Sipos, the Command Chief of the 72nd Air Base Wing, are guests on the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast.

The Tinker Talks Podcast, hosted by Mark Hybers, is a podcast dedicated to the latest events and happenings on one of the largest Air Force bases, “Tinker Talks” features various perspectives from the 5,600-acre installation.

Ruscetta is no stranger to Oklahoma, being assigned to Tinker Air Force Base since July 2018 at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex before becoming Commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing in July 2023.

Together, Ruscetta and Sipos discuss their background, priorities and everything Tinker Air Force Base in the latest edition of the podcast.

Tinker Talks celebrates veterans this year with a podcast honoring the service of Pete Piazza.

Piazza served three tours in Vietnam. During his second tour, then-Staff Sgt. Piazza was NCO in Charge of the 3rd Security Police Squadron’s “C” Flight Security Resupply Team at Bien Hoa Air Base, near Saigon.

North Vietnamese forces launched a rocket and ground attack Jan. 31, 1968, as part of the Tet Offensive. Piazza drove through machine gun and sniper fire to resupply the defenders who were quickly running out of ammunition.

After the officer-in-charge was killed, Piazza assumed command and rallied with his troops in a show of stamina and force while they counter-attacked during an eight-hour assault. The position was held and in the end numbers of lives and hundreds of millions of dollars in aircraft and supplies were spared.

He received the Silver Star, the third highest combat medal given to an Armed Forces member for his heroinism.

Piazza is no stranger to Tinker Air Force Base. He served here in the late 80s prior to retiring. In 2014 a gate was named in his honor.

Piazza still gives to our Airmen, showing up to speak for the Airmen Leadership School classes as well as coming out to spend time with our active duty members.

This is a longer podcast and we could have gone for hours. Have a listen and give us your feedback in honor of this great hero.

CMSAF JoAnne Bass, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and CMSgt. John Alsvig, Air Force First Sergeant Special Duty Manager join us to discuss their recent visit to Tinker. CMSAF Bass discusses the incredibly diverse Team Tinker missions, the Force of the Future and her visit to speak to a JROTC group from Edmond Schools. CMSgt. Alsvig speaks highly of Tinker's First Sergeants and leadership here as well as the incredible ability of today's Airmen to focus on multiple tasks at a time and so much more.

This episode is packed with high energy and information and one you'll want to listen to the end.

It was a great and incredibly rare opportunity to share time with CMSAF to get insights and perspective from her level.

Leave some feedback for us and let us know how you enjoyed the episode.

This episode of Tinker talks we talk to the F-35 Demonstration Team pilot, Maj. Kristin "Beo" Wolfe as well as F-5 Heritage flight pilot, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tommy Williams.

We talk careers, comparison of fighter aircraft as well as heritage as they get set to participate in this year's Tinker Airshow.

In this addition we sit down and talk to the OC-ALC commander, Maj. Gen. Jeff King, OC-ALC Vice Director, Mr. Wayde Loflin and AFGE Local 916 Union President, Mr. Jeremy Ross about the great employees in the complex and the programs put in place to assist with personal and professional growth, job growth, and the work being done now to prepare the complex for future workload and growth.

For more information on careers and all the ways to apply for a career in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, please visit:

https://www.tinker.af.mil/Jobs/

Also make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TinkerAirForceBase and on Twitter at Team_Tinker and LinkedIn @TinkerAFB.

DISCLAIMER - the appearance of the AFGE Local 916 is not endorsement by the United States Air Force.