A4A to show new Airmen the Incirlik AB ropes

by Senior Airman Chase Hedrick
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2014 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- From every Airman's first assignment to their last, moving to a new duty station presents a whole new environment and culture to settle into. To help Airmen under the age of 26 arriving at Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Air Base Wing is getting ready to launch a new initiative named Airmen 4 Airmen May 9, 2014.

The program recognizes that newcomers know the basics of being Airmen, and now need grow and learn how to be Airmen at Incirlik AB. To achieve this goal in a way that connected with the target group, the program was developed under testing and feedback from Airmen of all age groups.

"This Airman 4 Airmen starting on May 9th is the new and improved program that we have," said 1st Lt. Randy Galindo, 39th Air Base Wing sexual assault response coordinator, and an A4A program manager. "The big thing is this way it's more structured. Everybody's on the same page and there are not as many variables that take away from that."

The program now adds one additional day to newcomers orientation for Airmen under 26 to familiarize attendees with some of Incirlik AB's support agencies. It also and introduces first term Airmen to a 'trusted mentor' while giving others an opportunity to hear a senior non-commissioned officer 'tell it like it is' on issues ranging from current negative trends to security incidents.

"The program is basically mentorship," said Mamie Futrell, 39th ABW sexual assault prevention and response specialist, who also helps to run the program. "It's to teach them the right things and the things look out for and to stay away from to keep them out of trouble. Statistics show that this age range is the one with the most Airmen getting in trouble, whether be it sexual assault, drinking responsibly or whatever the case may be."

For Airmen not on their first assignment here, being part of a trusted mentor's group is optional, but first term Airmen are paired with a peer to discuss topics from an early 20's perspective on unit culture, what life is like in the dorms and neighborhoods, and the landscape of the base's social scene, said Futrell.

"From my personal experience when I first came to this base, it was difficult for me to get out and make friends so I pretty much stayed in my room most of the time," said Airman 1st Class Tatisha Fletcher, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron customer service journeyman and A4A trusted mentor. "I think it's good to be able to have someone to show you the ropes and those little things that Airmen should know here."

Trusted mentors are volunteer Airmen under 26 of any rank, unit or accompanied status, said Galindo. Before being accepted to help lead in the program they must have been on Incirlik AB for a minimum of 60 days and have approval from their squadron commander, first sergeant and an A4A program manager.

"Anybody who wants to be a trusted mentor and who has those social skills to talk with somebody and reach them on a different level should definitely come forward," said Futrell. "This is another thing we wouldn't suggest people just doing for a bullet, it's something that's going to be more than that. You can really make a difference in somebody's life by just being that first person they meet after getting off the plane on a new base."

Airmen interested in volunteering can contact the A4A program managers at DSN: 676-1084.