Midnight Titans: Airmen helping Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jim Araos
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  

As a way to aid in the safety and readiness of Airmen across the installation, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gary Bass, 39th Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge, developed the Midnight Titans as a way to provide community assistance to Airmen after hours. The program reinforces the Wingman concept by providing transportation to member's homes as well as walking with them when they need it, whether it is because they are making the right decision to prevent a DUI or just want someone to talk to along the way. (Courtesy graphic)

As a way to aid in the safety and readiness of Airmen across the installation, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gary Bass, 39th Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge, developed the Midnight Titans as a way to provide community assistance to Airmen after hours. The program reinforces the Wingman concept by providing transportation to member's homes as well as walking with them when they need it, whether it is because they are making the right decision to prevent a DUI or just want someone to talk to along the way. (Courtesy graphic)
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With over 6,000 rides given to the Airmen of Incirlik Air Base, the success of the Midnight Titans program continues to increase the safety of base residents.

 

As a way to support the safety and readiness of Airmen across the installation, the program aims to provide designated drivers and a neighborhood watch for Airmen, ensuring they are safe during the weekend. 

“Since the Midnight Titans program began 10 months ago, we’ve had 874 volunteers serve 4,370 hours, 6,927 rides given and 228 vehicles transported,” said Tech. Sgt. Randall Rafajko, a Midnight Titans program lead. “Our volunteers keep our people, roads and neighborhoods safe every weekend.”

Active duty and civilian volunteers are trained in vehicle transport, neighborhood patrol and incident mediation to safely transport their fellow Airmen. New volunteers are assigned experienced volunteers for ample on-the-job training. If a volunteer wishes to take a limited shift, schedulers can move shifts around to ensure sufficient coverage throughout each night.

 

“The program is still within its first year so we’re trying to develop the base’s perception of the program,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Maniece, a Midnight Titans program lead. “As long as we can get the word out that this program is available, other people don’t necessarily need to rely on their leadership to help them out of a sticky situation. We don’t ask for names or any personal information, just where you want to go.”

 

Throughout the development of this new program, the Midnight Titans carry on with their motto of “Airmen helping Airmen.”

“To all our Midnight Titan volunteers, thank you for your willingness to give time out of your weekends to serve those who serve,” said Rafajko. “The Air Force core value, ‘Service Before Self,’ is all about Airmen helping Airmen and you do it on a weekly basis. I’m blown away by your ability to show up each week. What you do is important, needed and appreciated.” 

To volunteer for the Midnight Titans, visit the Titan’s Refuge every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. for a pre-shift briefing.