Tradition, family go hand in hand at Incirlik Published Dec. 13, 2007 By Col. John Taylor 39th Maintenance Group commander INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The holidays are typically a time of family and tradition. But whether you are here accompanied, came without your immediate family or are single, almost everyone is away from their extended family while stationed here. Unless you make the long trip back to the United States, Grandmother's house is a little further than "over the meadow and through the woods." That's why we are all fortunate to have our Air Force family. Most everyone has heard the adage that while people may work for a civilian company, they are a part of the Air Force. We are part of something special, something bigger than ourselves. I frequently hear from people that have left the military and they describe how different the culture is in the civilian workplace. They tell about the lack of camaraderie on and off the job, and the lack of teamwork when a group is supposed to be working toward a common goal. People are sometimes reluctant to help a co-worker too much because that might reduce their own importance to the company. We're fortunate to have a different ethos, one that values individual accomplishments but emphasizes the importance of sticking together to get the mission done. We do all this while at the same time looking out for one another. It's pretty rare to hear of civilian companies checking up on spouses and kids when an employee is away on business, or to follow-up when hearing a family member is sick or in crisis. Those are things that truly make us a family - the way we look out for each other and take care of each other. Families also have traditions, passing them down from one generation to the next while incorporating new ones along the way. Examples include special holiday meals, ways to celebrate special occasions, etc. In my own family, my wife and I brought traditions we grew up with and have created a number of our own, such as our "tacky souvenir Christmas ornament" tradition. In our own military community we sometimes lose sight of all the traditions we take for granted, and in many ways it's those long-standing military traditions that help bind us as a family. Celebrations such as promotion ceremonies, award ceremonies and holiday parties contribute to our sense of community. Special events such as an Air Force Ball, a Dining In or a Dining Out are other great traditions we enjoy that you normally don't see outside the military. Tradition and a sense of family - knowing that there will be someone to help you or those you care about in times of crisis. Those are things that truly make serving our nation a great way of life. I wish all members of our great Air Force family a safe and happy holiday season!