Putting “the Lik” on stamp collecting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Along with 30 other Air Force and Department of State post offices throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Incirlik's Official Document Center is recognizing October as the 29th Annual Stamp Collecting Month.

The purpose of stamp collecting month here is to outline the postal programs Incirlik's ODC has to offer, to celebrate national stamp collecting month each year, promote stamp collecting and highlight Incirlik's postal services.

"This is the 15th year USAFE has participated in the recognition of this particular month and there's always thousands of dollars in prizes given out every year," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Day, Incirlik ODC's custodian of postal effects. "This year we are giving out nearly $2,000 worth of collectable stamps, post cards and stamp collector accessories through a number of events."

Scheduled events to help promote October as SCM include daily drawings of customers who enter their names at the ODC, a youth "design your own stamp" contest, a youth magazine-pitching contest and a combined effort with Incirlik Unit School for a poster contest during Red Ribbon Week (drug-free week) Oct. 25-27.

There have already been several members of Team Incirlik who have claimed prizes thanks to the daily drawings at the ODC.

"I love Stamp Collecting Month," said Staff Sgt. John Ward, a winner of one of the ODC drawings and an avid stamp collector with the 39th Operations Squadron. "It gives me a chance to practice the passion I have for the hobby. From my collection of more than 2,400, the stamps I won from the ODC are some of my favorite yet."

Stamp collecting has been a popular hobby around the world since the first postage stamp was issued 170 years ago in Britain. Throughout the years postal services have created and issued all types of stamps to help pay homage to countries and heroes, endangered animals and much more.

"We have some great stamps and collectables for this year's SCM," said Sergeant Day. "I hope to see plenty of participants in the ODC's events."

For more information on stamp collecting or the events surrounding SCM contact the ODC at DSN 676-3150.