Incirlik volunteers strengthen community
by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/26/2008 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- Incirlik
Air Base members reached out to help citizens of Incirlik by renovating
a village park with fresh paint, landscaping and equipment Nov. 15 in
the village just outside the base.
About 75 base volunteers ventured out to the nearby Incirlik Village
park to give Turkish children a nicer place to play and a renovated
area for the community to gather.
Master Sgt. Edward Gunter of the 39th Operations Squadron and his wife,
Darcy, worked with Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Tims, the 39th Air Base
Wing chapel, to get this project underway. They researched the
different aspects of the project and then compiled a team to take on
the project.
Master Sgts. Kevin Barstow and David Gurley, both of the 39th Civil
Engineer Squadron, gathered the proper tools, equipment and personnel
needed for each step of the process.
"I also reached out to Lt. Col. Michelle Raven (the 39th Air Base Wing
staff judge advocate and project volunteer) because I wanted legal
counsel and oversight," Chaplain Tims said.
Not everything in need of repair is handled by the base community.
"The mayor has called the city civil engineer department to test the
electrical capability," Chaplain Tims said. "We (volunteers) are buying
new fixtures to go over the lights because all the lights are broken.
The electrical work will be done by the mayor's office."
Due to its popularity, this park is at the top of the local renovation list.
"This park is without a doubt the biggest need," Chaplain Tims said. "More kids use it than any other local park."
Funding for the project comes completely from donated chapel general
funds specifically given for this project, Chaplain Tims said.
"This project will be a success if we visit in January and see children playing in a clean, safe area," Colonel Raven said.
Ramazan Celebi and Tech Sgt. Adanzy Hart replace swings at an Incirlik Village park Nov. 15 at Incirlik, Turkey. Sergeant Hart, assigned to the 39th Civil Engineering Squadron, and Mr. Celebi were among the estimated 75 volunteers present who helped the Incirlik Air Base Chapel staff renovate the park. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Download Full Image
Senior Airman Jessica Rodulfo adds a new coat of white paint to a concrete wall in one of Incirlik Village's parks Nov. 15 at Incirlik, Turkey. Airman Rodulfo was among the estimated 75 volunteers present who helped the Incirlik Air Base Chapel staff renovate the park. Airman Rodulfo is assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Download Full Image
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