39th ABW Commander hosts town hall for students

  • Published
  • By Airman Cory W. Bush
  • 39 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Col. Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander, conducted the first ever Student Town Hall at the Incirlik Unit School Oct. 28, here.

Roughly 100 students, grades six through twelve, were given the opportunity to ask questions concerning current events happening around Incirlik Air Base and the world.

Wills spoke on various topics such as the current events and military operations in the region, Incirlik AB's mission, social media and the safety of Airmen and their families. This is the first time a town hall consisting only of students and children was held on base.

"I learned a lot about how important Incirlik's role is," said Christina Lopez, 8th grade IUS student. "Especially why we're in such a remote region, geologically our role is big."

The hot topics during the meeting were safety. Wills emphasized that the students have no need to worry about whether or not they are safe because base leadership is closely monitoring current events in the region and Airmen from the 39th Air Base wing work closely with Turkish Air Force to ensure safety and security.

"If I didn't think IUS students were safe, you wouldn't be here," said Wills. "You will be long gone before I think your safety is a concern."

Students at the town hall enjoyed hearing from leadership and discussing topics of interest.

"I enjoyed the fact that Col. Wills took time to inform us because we are curious about what's going on too," Lopez said. "We get some of the information from our parents, but it's really good to hear it come from the wing commander."