39 MDG maintains Incirlik’s mission Published June 2, 2016 By Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- High operations tempos can lead to Airmen neglecting their health. Maintaining physical health can prove to be challenging at times, but the 39th Medical Group staff works around the clock to guarantee Airmen are getting proper medical treatment and attention, ensuring wartime readiness. “The 39th MDG is here to serve every day,” said Col. Christopher Hayes, 39th MDG medical staff chief. “We work regular appointments during the duty week which is better for everyone involved and less time waiting if you have a scheduled appointment for an issue of concern.” Col. John Walker, 39th Air Base Wing commander, recently went to the facility to undergo a medical procedure. “I can’t say enough about the team who took care of me for my medical procedure,” said Walker. “It was an outstanding team effort and the whole process didn’t last more than 30 minutes. The 39th MDG is full of professional Airmen willing and able to help those requiring medical assistance.” The Incirlik medical group provides preventative and clinical health and wellness services for personnel assigned here, including five geographically separated units and NATO forces. “We doctors love to help a patient with whatever issue is on their mind,” said Hayes. “Helping people is why we studied medicine. We love working on the mission by helping the people who do it.” Walker encouraged anyone questioning an injury or illness to get it checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. “We are all busy day in and day out making sure the mission is getting accomplished,” said Walker. “To continue having our success, we need to maintain our readiness. Take 30 minutes out of your day to get seen for any pain or discomfort you may be feeling. You’re looking at someone missing half an hour of work as opposed to being out days or weeks for maintaining health.” Hayes added that minor procedures such as a lump, bump or mole removal, can sometimes be both diagnosis and a cure if they cut out something that was a problem, and their staff would be happy to use their skills to help. “It could be something simple we can treat or something that is more concerning,” said Hayes. “Either way you don't have to live without knowing what should be done. Know your skin, check yourself and when in doubt, get checked out.” To make an appointment at the 39th MDG, call 676-6666 or visit http://www.tricare.mil/.