Pick of the 'Lik: Staff Sgt. Ricardo Wood, 39th FSS Published Oct. 17, 2013 By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Staff Sgt. Ricardo Wood, 39th Force Support Squadron passport agent, was awarded this week's "Pick of the 'Lik" Oct. 16, here. As one of two passport agents for Incirlik AB, Wood is responsible for the processing and acceptance of U.S. passport and visa applications for all DoD employees and their family members assigned to Incirlik AB and surrounding areas. This year he has processed more than 500 no-fee, official and tourist passports along with more than 65 visa applications with 98 percent accuracy. Wood's coordination with the Department of State, U.S. and foreign embassies/consulates and visa processing centers have been key to ensuring mission success. Over the past few weeks Wood has worked two short-notice foreign clearance cases requiring entry visas for Saudi Arabia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Wood quickly processed both short notice applications and frequently monitored their status keeping in constant communication with points of contact at both foreign embassies. His many on and off-duty hours, expertise and professionalism helped ensure quick response and continued DoD mission success. Due to sequestration, government shut down and the DoD civilian furlough the processing time for both passports and visas has been extended. "While there is high frustration regarding the extended time to process a passport or a visa request and the stress and the financial issues it has caused, Wood has been doing everything possible to minimize the impact for our Incirlik units," said Senior Master Sgt. Trisha Malec, 39th FSS superintendent. "He continuously goes the extra mile in ensuring our units are informed and engaged with this process as well as taking personal time out of his schedule to follow-up with the processing agencies.