CGOC receives regional recognition Published Aug. 22, 2013 By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The Incirlik Company Grade Officers Council was recently named the best in the European Region CGOC for the 2nd Quarter of 2013. "This is significant for us because we competed against other CGOCs, and we are smaller base with a smaller group," said Capt. Brint Ingersoll, 39th Logistic Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer and CGOC president during the time of recognition. Because of the installation's location and size, the Incirlik CGOC was viewed by some as an underdog compared to other USAFE bases, Ingersoll explained. Larger bases often have more opportunities to engage in their surrounding communities. However, they turned their small numbers of company grade officers on Incirlik into big energy with off-the-chart positive attitudes -- focusing on serving Airmen and the Incirlik community, said Col. Brent Bigger, 39th Air Base Wing vice commander. Every quarter CGOCs from USAFE bases submit reports summarizing all the activities they cover, including fundraising, professional development, community service and social functions, said Capt. Krista Hutchinson, 39th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapist. Though they were competing against much larger bases, the European council looks at overall numbers and percentages of officers involved. "So, we just had to work harder," Ingersoll added. The Incirlik CGOC started a Facebook group to keep them connected and let them all know about upcoming events. It also enabled them to connect with incoming company grade officers. One of the largest projects for the CGOC was the renovation of the Piper Lounge, the officers club on base. "A lot of work went into the renovation," Ingersoll said. "Contractors built it, but we were the ones who designed it and hosted the grand opening." Several of the CGOC's projects turn out to be the buzz of the base, Bigger said. Their Independence Day Painted Warrior Run being one of them. "It was very well done," Bigger added. "More than 300 people participated, to include spouses, children and our Dutch partners, which for our small base is incredible, and it demonstrated the high energy level of our CGOC." The organization also paved the way for the wing change of command and wing commander's going away barbeque. "It was a huge base-wide event," Bigger added. "They also led other organizations in coordinating the whole thing." Professional development was another key factor in their victory, Ingersoll added. During the second quarter, the CGOC held 156 hours of professional development. "We incorporated an immersion function where a different squadron or flight CGO would host a lunch for a committee and overview what it is their shop does for the base," Ingersoll explained. "This gave a better understanding of the base and helped with networking." The CGOC also devoted more than 60 hours of community service. Some of their service included reading at the child development center, volunteering for the youth center and Airman and Family Readiness Center and CDC events, hosting a Hearts Apart event for spouses of deployed service members, and assisting with a rummage sale to aid Oklahoma tornado victims. "Looking ahead we're all excited for the 2013 AF Birthday 'Celebration in the Park' -- another big event led by the innovative and creative CGOs that even includes a scholarship for Airman to be given out that evening," Bigger said. In addition to the regional honor the CGOC received, Hutchinson was selected for the European Region CGOC executive officer position. "We are so proud of the Incirlik CGOC for winning the quarterly regional award but not surprised," Bigger said. "These young leaders are inspirational, and they are a positive example to us all." After winning at the regional level, the Incirlik organization moves on to compete at the Air Force level for the quarter.