39 ABW celebrates National Volunteer Week Published April 20, 2009 By Laura Hobbs Incirlik Airman and Family Readiness Center INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- National Volunteer Week is April 19 - 25, and the 39th Air Base Wing is honoring its volunteers who bring experience, excellence and honor to many of the various units on base, while also encouraging others to donate their time and energy to the base. "Whether you are active-duty or a dependent, volunteering is a great way to be involved in your community and to make a difference in all our lives," said Col. Philip McDaniel, 39 ABW commander. Base volunteers help ensure airmen and their families find the information and resources that they need to adapt to life and to succeed here at Incirlik. Often these are the friendly faces that you see in locations such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, or in the base library. In addition, many volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, as well. Volunteering is prevalent in today's society and is frequently observed daily in almost every possible aspect of life. Volunteers donate their time and energy in many ways, such as donating blood or volunteering in a classroom. Sometimes they go unrecognized. Here at Incirlik many volunteers provide hundreds of hours per year to help the wing meet its mission goals, and assist the personnel living or deployed here. Col. McDaniel stresses the value of Incirlik's volunteers. "Volunteers are essential to the operation of many of our community programs. Without their support we would have to stop providing some important programs such as our Thrift Shop and some chapel programs," said Col. McDaniel. So, take the time during National Volunteer Week to thank any volunteers in your work areas. In addition, if you're considering becoming a volunteer, please stop by the Airman and Family Readiness Center for more information. If you're a current volunteer, please stop by the center this week to pick up a small token of esteem. For more information, please contact the A&FRC at 676-7024.