Phil Tinker talks about F-108 engine
Tech. Sgt. Sean Gilson, left and Lt. Col. Marvin Ashbaker of the 465th Air Refueling Squadron listen to Mr. Phil Tinker talk about his days working on the F-108 engines, the same ones used on the KC-135R Stratotanker. Tinker, the grandson of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, flew in from his home in San Diego to attend the Star Spangled Salute June 21-22. Maj. Gen. Tinker, an Oklahoma native, lost his life during World War II and, at the time was the highest ranking member of the U.S. Army to lose his life in combat. On Oct. 14, 1942, the Oklahoma City Air Depot was renamed Tinker Field in honor Maj. Gen. Tinker. Tinker AFB Star Spangled Salute open house marked the first time grandson, Phil has been to Oklahoma City since the bombing in 1995. After the weekend’s activities, Tinker had an opportunity to tour the base as well as get a full tour of the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mark Hybers)