First shirt works to keep morale high Published June 20, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- To keep morale high in a deployed environment Airman must combat the stresses caused from being separated from their family and working long hours in an unfamiliar environment. During a recent deployment to Incirlik Air base, Turkey each Airman from the 434th Air Refueling Wing had their own way of dealing with stress and maintaining high morale. "One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that morale stays high," said Master Sgt. Matthew Eastburn, 434th Aerospace Medical Squadron first sergeant and deployed first sergeant for one of the rotations. "One of the ways I do that is by ensuring that Airmen have things to do during their off-time" he added. Airman are encouraged to take advantage of the organized tours, exercise, or shopping in the Alley, Sergeant Eastburn said. The Alley is an area outside of the Turkish air force base comprised of businesses selling various items such as tailor made suits, carpets, embroidered luggage tags, gifts ext. It also has dining facilities that allow Airmen to get a taste of the local culture. If Airmen wanted to venture further from the base they could do so by taking one of the organized off base tours. "These tours offered shopping, museums, historical sites and superb views of the Turkish country thorough mountains and ocean side scenes," he added. "I really enjoyed the tours that were offered to us," said Master Sgt. Dennis Sanford, a computer technician with the 434th Communications Squadron. The ancient volcanoes and other historic land marks were a few of the many things the sergeant enjoyed while he was in the country. Going to a local restaurant and having a nice meal always helps boost morale and relieve stress, he added. In addition to all of the activities, Airmen may also relieve stress and boost morale by performing routine physical training. "Most of the members that I associated with enjoyed running to relieve the stress of the day," Sergeant Sanford said. "Exercise keeps the mind alert and also keeps the body in shape." The Wingman Program is another tool that Airmen can use when morale is low and stress is high. "The Wingman Program is a significant resource for ensuring trouble is avoided, as well as adding safety and security during off-base visits," the first sergeant said. "A good wingman not only helps with the work load that could lead to stress, but also watches for signs of decreasing morale, loneliness and other factors affecting mission performance," Sergeant Sanford said. A wingman should always look out for signs such as sleep deprivation, moodiness, unresolved anger, frustration, or isolated behavior, the first sergeant said. It is everyone's responsibility to look out for other Airmen. "If an Airman needs further assistance with a problem he can always come to me," he added. "I would then assist the Airman and offer opportunities to resolve the concerns.
