Osage Nation Hosts Tinker Air Force Base Field Trip

On November 23, 2021, the Osage Nation Education and Financial Assistance Departments provided 25 Native American students the opportunity to tour Tinker Air Force Base located in Oklahoma City, OK. Students that attended were in 6th -12th-grades with Osage preference given. Participants were shuttled to the base on a charter bus and provided snacks and lunch during the event.

During the tour, students explored the Department of Defense facilities and learned about military and civilian careers on base. Students received a firsthand view of today’s innovative technology for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers Tinker currently has to offer.

Students also received educational information on STELLARXPLORERS Aerospace STEM Program, to inspire 6th -12th-grade students towards careers in aerospace, aviation, and STEAM. Communities represented on the tour were Barnsdall, Fairfax, Hominy, Pawhuska, Skiatook, and Tulsa.

The Tinker Air Force Base was named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker (Osage) of Pawhuska, OK. General Tinker lost his life while leading a flight of LB-30 “Liberators” on a long-range strike against Japanese forces on Wake Island during the early months of World War II.

The Osage Nation Education and Financial Assistance Departments plan to host another trip to Tinker Air Force Base during spring 2022. Registration will be announced on Osage Nation Education Department's Facebook page.