Tinker Air Show earns major award

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Tinker Air Force Base was awarded the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award by the International Council of Air Shows in Las Vegas, Nevada December 16, 2019 for the Star Spangled Salute Air and Space Show.

The Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award is presented each year to the military base which in planning and implementing its air show or air event, not only exhibits traditional community relations as it considers the needs of its civilian neighbors, but sets new standards of excellence in this area by including its community in the planning, execution and rewards of the event.

"The air show was a great example of the great partnership displayed between Tinker and the Oklahoma community," said Colonel Paul Filcek, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander. “This was the largest air show in Tinker’s history, with more than 285,000 spectators. This award represents the dedication, sacrifice, pride and professionalism of so many dedicated people from throughout Oklahoma.”

Organized and conducted with a theme honoring the past, present and future, the show included a unique and ground-breaking television broadcast element and an innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program that helped connect the event to the local schools located near the base.

“Visitors to the air show have a significant impact to our local economy so the partnership we have is truly a win-win for our community,” said Midwest City mayor, Matthew Dukes. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the tremendous successful air shows at Tinker Air Force Base.”

Since 1988, the International Council of Air Shows has presented the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award to the one military air show, open house or flying event that best represents the spirit of community.

Tinker joins a list of past recipients that includes MCAS Miramar, NAS Oceana, the Rhode Island National Guard, Nellis AFB, MCAS Iwakuni and Langley AFB.