Incirlik offers many activities to raise spirits

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Tracy Tenney
  • 39th Medical Support Squadron Commander
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  So, the summer is coming to an end, many of your friends have departed and there are many new faces in the office or squadron. 

Maybe you're one of those new faces and you're feeling a little stressed by the new job, with most or all of your support system a seven to ten hour time difference away. 

There are a few things you can do to help make the situation better for you and those around you but, first, you'll have to do something simple. You've got a decision to make. You've got to decide to be happy. 

Once you've done that, look at your job in a new way. Think about where you fit in your team's mission. 

Approach each day with the knowledge that you're an important contributor to the Air Force mission here at Incirlik . 

If you've been here awhile, remember back to when you first arrived. Take the time and reach out to that new person in your office or squadron. Fill them in on the job and life at Incirlik. Include them in your trips outside the gate. 

By reaching out, you're helping to speed up the amount of time needed for that person to become a full functioning member of the team. 

One of the best ways to improve your morale is to keep busy. Visit the fitness center or join a sports team and release those endorphins! 

Gather your office together periodically and go bowling or have a pool tournament or volunteer. There are as many opportunities as there are interests. Your chapel has many volunteer opportunities to help the spirits of those around you. Join one of the enlisted organizations. Airmen Committed to Excellence, Club 56 and the Top 3 provide a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and gifts to make this tour a professionally rewarding one, for yourself and all the Airmen on base. 

Last but not least, look around you. You are in one of the most historically robust areas of the world. Go to the library and read up on the history of Turkey and then go out and see what it's all about. 

Make use of the different venues available to you to travel. Tickets and travel, the chapel and outdoor recreation are just a few places that schedule trips to some of these historical places. 

Outdoor recreation has bikes, camping gear and other equipment available for your use. Once you're comfortable driving, get out with friends and see Turkey. You'll find that the time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be ready to PCS. Make the decision!