TEAM TINKER ~ LOCAL FAMILIES OFFER SOLDIERS A "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" by Kari Huskey

LOCAL FAMILIES OFFER SOLDIERS A "HOME AWAY FROM HOME"

by Kari Huskey

Team Tinker is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to assist the first term Service personnel at Tinker Air Force Base. These young Sailors, Airmen, and Reservists have completed their basic and/or technical training and are stationed at Tinker Air Force Licensing ReportBase for the first time. Many of these young service men and women are leaving home for the first time and many have received little or no life skills education. Team Tinker Home Away From Home program began 10 years ago with 10 Airmen and 10 Families. was born out of tragedy. Following the death of two young Airmen in an automobile accident on Christmas night in 2011, concerns were expressed, and eventually, plans were made to create a sponsorship program. Team Tinker Home Away From Home was the result of those plans. The program strives to match community sponsors with young service men and women, giving them a welcoming, safe, and supportive place to spend time, especially during the holidays. They now have served over 1,2000+ Airmen, even while being on suspension during the Covid 19 2020 year.

Pam Kloiber the co-founder and executive director,

"Please consider joining us as a volunteer and become a "Community Wingman" with our other families. I have so many numbers of places I' ve spoken, how many Service Members we' ve included, BUT the most important number we love is 0, yep, a big 0!!!! That is the number of suicides we have had in our 10 years of supporting and mentoring young people that are lonely and far from their homes. "

Not only does the Team Tinker program help with the development of mentorship skills, but they also offer Life Skills classes taught by guest speakers. These certified professionals imparted their knowledge on topics such as automobile purchasing, financial planning, future house buying, and leadership through picnic discussions and holiday parties. Etiquette is important in any dining situation; "Dine Like a Diplomat" is an event where military banquet food is served to learn more about table manners. Representative Tom Cole even attended their last event.

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Team Tinker is in desperate need of host families as so many Service Members are wanting to be a part of the program and they do not have families that are not already full of existing Service Member participants.

To qualify, service members must: Be first-term Airmen/Sailors Be single and living in dorms Comply with all military service standards Have approval from commander

Activities and events participants have enjoyed include: Home-cooked meals Holiday functions Family events Church services Sports events Picnics and MORE!

If the Service Member is lucky, they may find an Oklahoma "Host Family " to join. This family is chosen specifically because the Service Member and the Host family share similar interests. When invited by the family, this allows them to welcome the Service member and participate in activities as if they were another member of said FAMILY. The member's residence will be on base in the dorms not with you specifically.

By taking this opportunity to connect with a military member at least once a month, you can show your support and make them feel at home. It's simple, enjoyable, and critical!

To qualify, host families must: Agree to a background check (no cost to applicants) Commit to spend one to two days a month with service member(s) Commit to host service member(s) throughout their full tour at TAFB (1-3 years) Provide a welcoming atmosphere, with opportunities for homecooked meals and inclusion in holiday events/activities

If interested, please contact Pam Kloiber at 405-503-5041 or pam.hafh@gmail.com. Check out their at www.teamtinkerhomeawayfromhome.org and PLEASE follow them on Facebook at @TeamTinkerHomeAwayFromHome to see what is going on within the program and Host families' events.