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  • Not to be used as a condiment

    Around the Thanksgiving turkey the family had gathered for the traditional meal of over-indulgence. They had prepared the dinner with great care and even roasted the turkey with a thermometer to ensure that it was cooked to the proper temperature. In fact when they pulled the thermometer from the

  • Smart is as smart does

    The Arizona Highway Patrolmen were mystified when they came upon a pile of smoldering wreckage embedded in the side of a cliff rising above the road at the apex of a curve. The metal debris resembled the site of an airplane crash, but it turned out to be the vaporized remains of an automobile. The

  • Commitment separates success from failure

    Squadron restructuring, Air Force Smart Operations, manpower cuts, deployments and our changing global environment all require adaptation across the Air Force. Right now at Incirlik, we have a lot on our plate ... and with a unit compliance inspection only five months away and bilateral training

  • Is it working?

    "Is it working? That was the question I was asked at the USAFE Commanders' Conference in March after briefing our approach to an increase in alcohol related incidents and sexual assaults. My answer was a qualified "We don't know." Generally, I prefer quantitative data over qualitative observations.

  • I don't make this stuff ... I just serve it

    A traveling salesperson stopped at a fast food restaurant for a cup of coffee. When the server delivered the coffee, the friendly salesperson attempted to make conversation. "Looks like rain," the salesperson said. "I don't make this stuff," the server responded, "I just serve it." Hmm ... think

  • Knights, Warriors, Airmen

    In the Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda, the Jedi Knight teacher, tries to implant into Luke Skywalker the means of engaging the "force" that is the greatest power in the universe. He says to his pupil, "Luke, do, or do not ... there is no try." In our business there is no try or

  • Drinking is a NOT

    You've heard from the 'Crusty Old Senior NCO' a time or two this past year; hear from him once more. With 25 plus years in uniform he's been a drinker. He's still a drinker but age and experience have added tone and responsibility to his drink. You've heard the cliché - 'think before you drink' -

  • Ataturk launched reforms giving Turkish women equal rights

    "Everything we see in the world is the creative work of women." -- Ataturk With abiding faith in the vital importance of women in society, Ataturk launched many reforms to give Turkish women equal rights and opportunities. Turkish women were very active during the Turkish War of Independence. As the

  • The legacy of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey

    There are two Mustafa Kemals. One is the flesh-and-blood Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals which must be defended with your lives if necessary. I stand for the nation's dreams

  • Tested, measured, getting it done

    This past week has been a busy one for Team Incirlik. We have been tested and learned where exactly we need to focus our efforts for improvement. The past week was a major milestone as we prepare for our September inspection. Let's be sure to use the U.S. Air Forces in Europe staff assistance visit