Wing commander holds final commander's call

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 39th Air Base Wing
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Col. Eric Beene, the 39th Air Base Wing commander, reflected on the accomplishments of the service members in what was his final commander's call July 1 at the Club Complex.

Beene conducted three commander's calls: one for junior enlisted, one for the NCOs and one for senior NCOs, officers and civilians.

"Thank you for spending this time with me," said Beene. "This will be my last set of commander's calls, and I have a few things to tell you."

As his two-year tour here comes to a close and his impending departure to the Pentagon draws nears, Beene took the opportunity to thank Incirlik Airmen for their contributions to the base and community.

"As commander, there have been some frustrations, but there are some happy memories too, and I have a ton of them," said Beene.

He started by discussing some of the base's accomplishments since the last commander's call including an inspection, a visit to Capitol Hill, several key leadership visits, the Air Force Assistance Fund telethon success, which raised more than 200 percent of the base's goal, high-visibility construction projects and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Civilian of the Year Award winner.

Next he discussed significant upcoming events scheduled over the next few months.

"We have a Logistics Compliance Assessment Team coming up to visit in August," said the colonel. "For those of you who were here last year, you know Ramadan is coming up. We have several changes of command, the Air Force's birthday and, Air Force wide budget cuts.

"Under the cuts, be looking to find efficiencies," he said. "I would never ask you to do more with less. We have to do less with less, but be smart about what we can and cannot do."

The colonel then discussed changes coming to the base and reminded everyone that it is up to them to initiate the changes that will make Incirlik better.

The colonel also discussed the core values and the importance of upholding them in our everyday lives.

"I cannot tell you how proud I have been to lead Airmen like you," he said. "While you are wearing the uniform, wear it proudly. Don't let integrity slip. It will become easier to do in time of budget cuts. If you see something wrong, don't walk past it. We can all get better - better as a person, better as a service."

Finally, Beene thanked everyone for their contributions during his time here.

"I have memories of the Airmen here that I will never forget. I am honored to have served with you and thank you for that. I ask you to give the same to Col. (Jackson) Fox (incoming 39th ABW commander) when he arrives here later this month."