'Connections' gets new swag

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marissa Tucker
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Community members of Incirlik and service members deployed here celebrated the re-opening of The Connections with a pizza party Feb. 27.

Facility volunteers introduced several new additions to The Connections such as a pool table, pub-style tables and chairs and a flat screen TV. These additions came just in time for the influx of NATO service members deployed here in support of the Patriot mission and the regular Incirlik community, said Jessica Ford, 728th Air Mobility Squadron administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Connections.

"Aside from the people at Incirlik who come here regularly, the Dutch, German, and (U.S.) Army really utilize this place a lot," Ford said. "It's a smoke and alcohol free facility, so they can hang out here, use the internet, and just socialize."

True to its name, the Connections was created to provide a place for community members to meet new people and hold get togethers, parties, baby showers and more. Currently, events held there vary from game tournaments, dorm dinners, Club Beyond gatherings and much more. Volunteers hope the new additions will help create even more awareness of the facility and events.

"From what we hear, people really used to use this place a lot for many different things," Ford said. "We want to help it get back that way."

For those looking for a place to hang out away from their dorm room, Staff Sgt. Daniel Jose, 39th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician and The Connections' manager, recommends visiting The Connections a few times a week to meet new people.

"It really promotes social skills and gives back a sense of community that I think is lost when we stay plugged into electronics and the internet all the time," Jose said. "The Connections gives a place for people to hang out and do positive things in a laid back environment."

The volunteers are planning several events in the near future and hope to get even more community involvement. While their main focus is the dorm dwellers and deployed service members, all members of the community are invited to use the facility and to suggest ideas for events or to improve the facility.

"We want to start more things like game tournaments, parties and other monthly events," Jose said. "We're open to many new things, so come out and bring a friend."