Storytellers II spreads awareness, hope throughout Incirlik

Senior Airman Alicja Wright, 39th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician, gives details surrounding her brother’s suicide to promote prevention and awareness Jan. 18, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Wright was one of seven participants in Storytellers II, an event created to provide a forum where Airmen can share experiences and learn about one another, promoting understanding throughout the force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

1st Lt. Tenille Woodward, 39th Air Base Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, shares her experiences of being a female officer in a male-dominated career field Jan. 19, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Woodward was one of seven participants in the event created by Master Sgt. Lee Hover, American Forces Network Incirlik superintendent, and Tech. Sgt. Kitsana Dounglomchan, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, to give Airmen a venue to share their stories with the base community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

Storytellers II spreads awareness, hope throughout Incirlik

Master Sergeants Kevin and Tonetta Stiff, 39th Security Forces Squadron and 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron respectively, speak about their ongoing journey to conceive a child during Storytellers II Jan. 19, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Since the first Storytellers event at Incirlik in August 2012, more than four bases have held similar programs. Storytellers creators and participants hope the concept will spread Air Force wide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

Storytellers II spreads awareness, hope throughout Incirlik

Senior Airman Christopher Greevebiester, 39th Maintenance Squadron weapons maintainer, recounts an experience of dealing with the death of a significant other and not being able to grieve openly before “Don’t’ Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, during Storytellers II Jan 18, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Event participants practiced for at least two weeks before the event to ensure their message was conveyed to the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

Storytellers II spreads awareness, hope throughout Incirlik

Senior Airman Jason Rimer, right, 39th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, interviews Maj. James Gherdovich, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, left, during Storytellers II Jan. 19, 2013, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Gherdovich spoke about uncovering the remains of a service member who died in the Vietnam War while assigned to the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

Storytellers II spreads awareness, hope throughout Incirlik

Published Jan. 25, 2013
By Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Stories of triumph, pain, sorrow and faith echoed through the Consolidated Club as speakers related their experiences to almost 200 members of the Incirlik community during Storytellers II Jan. 19.

As the room filled with anticipation from attendees, presenters rehearsed their stories in the hallway, not because of nerves, but to ensure they conveyed their intended message to the audience. A diverse group of stories were shared throughout the event, but each included lasting themes which echoed throughout the room - hope, courage, acceptance, perseverance and honor.

Many wiped away tears and looked as though they were recounting their own personal trials as the evening went on. Audience members showed their support for the presenters by applause and personal thanks at the end of the event.

At the conclusion, 39th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Chris Craige thanked the speakers for their courage and presented the event creators, Master Sgt. Lee Hover, American Forces Network Incirlik superintendent, and Tech. Sgt. Kitsana Dounglomchan, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, with coins for their continuing efforts in helping bring Airmen together through their stories.