Oklahoma Resolution recognizes Tinker, Wing

  • Published
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  Ten years ago one of the most destructive tornadoes in Oklahoma history struck central Oklahoma including Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB).  

In mere minutes, the May 3, 1999, twister with its ghastly mile-wide funnel caused approximately $16 million in damage at TAFB and ultimately claimed the lives of five Tinker personnel, one a member of the 507th Air Refueling Wing.  

Despite their own devastation, Tinker AFB personnel stepped into rescue mode and aided the ailing community performing lifesaving actions and dispatching fire department, security forces, and emergency medical response teams and emergency shelter facilities. In recognition of their efforts, 

Oklahoma State Senator Cliff A. Aldridge issued an Oklahoma State Senate Proclamation on May 29, recognizing the men and women of Tinker Air Force Base for their heroic efforts. 

According to Lt. Col. Rich Curry, 507th ARW Public Affairs Officer,"It is an honor to have the State Senate recognize Tinker AFB and the 507th ARW members by name in this proclamation."

 "The devastation we saw in the aftermath of the storm took your breath away," Curry said. "It was so widespread and so complete -- to see homes scraped completely way from their foundation leaving just a concrete slab behind. But it was during the hours immediately following the tornado that we witnessed something truly incredible happen here on base. As a team, we responded without hesitation. Phone lines were down, yet hundreds of Tinker employees, civilian and military, voluntarily reported for duty to do whatever was needed to support this community. "

This proclamation shows the State is proud to have Tinker AFB as a member of their community." 

Editors Note: This story was first printed in the June 1999 issue of ON-final. Tinker Team rushes to assists tornado victims 

By Capt. Rich Curry Public Affairs Office 

An F5 tornado ripped through central Oklahoma Monday night, May 3, along a miles-long path of destruction that stretched 35 miles from Norman, Oklahoma past north Oklahoma City. 

The twister flattened hundreds of homes and killed 44 people. It also left thousands of people homeless. For those in its path it meant total devastation. 

Within minutes after the tornado had passed, Tinker Air Force Base and the 507th Air Refueling Wing threw open its doors, with military members both active and reserve alike arriving to hurriedly put together a makeshift hotel for hundreds of people left with literally nothing more than the clothes on their backs. 

Immediately after the storm had passed, 507th members took a unit KC-135 out of their hangar. Dozens of trucks rolled up to the hangar doors bringing with them the basics of survival to those inside. 

Inside the hangar, volunteers began to set up food lines and more than 300 cots as bus after bus rolled up to the hangar doors bringing even more survivors of what will most likely become known as the worst tornado disaster in history. Their stunned faces were met with open arms and warm kindness. 

"We're tried to do everything we can to support the disaster relief efforts," said Col. Mark Pillar, 507th Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander. 

All across Tinker Air Force Base military members rushed to help throughout the evening hours. Search and rescue teams formed to search the rubble. Medical technicians reported to both the base hospital, the base gym and to the 507th hangar to provide care for those injured. At the 507th hangar, one of two set up on the base, a makeshift processing line was formed to register people's names so others could know their loved ones were still alive. 

Standing at the perimeter of what once was Del City, only 100 feet away from the base, twisted homes could be seen in the glare of military light-alls. There, across the road where a thriving residential community once stood was nothing but splinters and rubble. 

The tornado, which had earlier been headed directly for Tinker, swerved at the last minute, plowing its deadly way through the heavily populated area. The tornado skirted the perimeter of the base then thrust on northward through Midwest City, immediately north of the base, again destroying everything in its path. 

The fence that once stood, separating the base from the community lay flattened on the ground, from the tornado's blow. The survivors' stories were heart wrenching. "I lost everything." "Thank God, my wife and children are alive." Others commented: "I was never so scared in my life." 

By 3 a.m. most of the survivors had bedded down in their cots to fitful sleep and the dread of what awaits them in mornings light. Two hundred and 20 victims affected by the tornado were housed in a hangar Monday night. By Tuesday night, however only 38 people remained. Several more were able to find alternate housing during Wednesday. 

By Wednesday evening less than 10 people were left. On Wednesday, May 6, the victims displaced by the tornado were relocated from hangar to an alternate relief shelter at Jardan Jr. High School, Midwest City, located at 5 McArthur Drive. 

"Most of the people who had stayed with us were able to make other arrangements with their family or friends. "We helped those remaining with us on Tuesday to get back into the housing area to try to salvage some personal belongings," said Col. John Fobian, acting commander of the 507th Air Refueling Wing.