“Lik” leaves lasting impression on OAF cadets Published June 27, 2007 By Capt. Rose Richeson 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 39th Air Base Wing says farewell to the first round of Operation Air Force Cadets, assigned here from June 3 to 21, but not without teaching them something about active duty and Turkish culture. OAF is designed to provide both U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets experience in the operational Air Force while focusing on different areas of cadet development. There are four courses in which the cadets can participate in and each program is designed either to shadow a senior noncommissioned officer, company grade officer or field grade officer in an Air Force Specialty Code of their choice depending on the program they are assigned to. Before departing Incirlik, the cadets were asked what take-aways from the last three weeks left a lasting impression on them and this is what they had to say: "It was really nice to go to a base and be asked to actually work. I was allowed to do things I can expect to do on active duty. Also, having the chance of being integrated into the base and local community and learn what it's like to be part of the Air Force family was very rewarding," said Cadet Nicholas Thome, assigned with the 39th Operations Squadron Intelligence office "My visit has been absolutely fabulous! The people of Adana and here at Incirlik are truly great and were so helpful. I love the culture and hope to be stationed here one day," said Cadet Lauren Wilson, assigned with the 39th Contracting Squadron "I thoroughly enjoyed all the trips taken and the opportunities available to experience both Turkish and Islamic culture. I loved seeing Cappadocia, Kizkalesi and Adana, especially the Adana mosque. The biggest take away for me will be the cultural aspects of the trip, which I am very glad to have seen and experienced. I feel these traveling opportunities are a benefit of being stationed at an installation such as Incirlik," said Cadet Joy Lomheim, assigned with the 39th Airfield Operations and Maintenance Squadrons "I liked getting the enlisted perspective of the Air Force and being able to learn and teach each other. I also enjoyed learning about the culture and being able to soak in so much of it. The Turkish people are very friendly and we can learn a lot from each other. I really had a great time," said Cadet Kari Thomas, assigned with the 39th Medical Group and 39th Services Squadron "The most important take away will be the cultural knowledge I have gained through trips and tours here. It is important to learn all you can about the culture -- and in this case religion -- of those we have such mission-related ties with. Also, the several opportunities we had to lunch with and question officers, commanders and senior noncommissioned officers have made a lasting impression on me. I can only hope I won't forget anything I learned from them! I learned and collected advice about assuming leadership, overcoming command hardships and about working effectively with others," said Cadet Milli Mays, assigned with the 39th Civil Engineer and Security Forces Squadrons "My visit to Incirlik has been a great experience because I have learned a huge deal about what the operational Air Force is like while at the same time gaining an appreciation for the Turkish culture," said Cadet David Blessinger, assigned with the 39th Airfield Operations and Civil Engineer Squadrons If you would like to show your support or are interested in participating in any of the upcoming OAF activities throughout the summer, contact 2nd Lt. Eddy Gutierrez at 676-6788, or Capt. Jill Boese at 676-3895.