AAFES at Incirlik earns top safety award

Published June 17, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik's Army and Air Force Exchange Service earned the 2008 AAFES top safety award earlier this year.

AAFES locations that fall under the Turkey Consolidated Region reported zero safety mishaps in 2008, and received two quarterly safety awards for their accomplishments.
These awards and a clean safety track record helped with the win.

"All [AAFES] employees should take pride in themselves and their work for earning this award," said Levant Turker, AAFES human resources manager.

The region includes AAFES locations in Adana, Ankara and Izmir.

AAFES announced the award win earlier this year. Anthony Ventura, AAFES general manager, presented the award to the staff on behalf of the AAFES commander, Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Thurgood.

"The great staff we have here stays diligent when it comes to safety every day," Mr. Ventura said. "Around here, it's safety first in all we do."

Mr. Turker said the staff practices safety in everything; from ensuring their safety harnesses are securely fastened when operating a fork lift, to keeping the floors clean, and cleaning them correctly.

"We work to ensure safety is practiced for everyone, employees and customers," Mr. Ventura said.

According to the AAFES Web site, AAFES operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states.