Follow-up to Heated Debate (Off-Topic)

[Susie Wimberly <suzieqc1cr@yahoo.com>]

RideCamp:

Before I write about the off-topic subject, I'll say that I received a
number of very interesting resposes to Tez's head cold (which is
better).

I will, hopefully today, edit & compile the "cold" responses and send
them to RideCamp for archival purposes.  In the future, if any newbies
request in-put about horse-colds, it'll be in the archives.

Additionally, some good news.  I get to go the chiropractor today to
have my hip fixed.  Yay.

OFF-TOPIC:  Regarding last week's post and heated debate over the
Incirlik AFB (Turkey) e-mail about the assault and the labor strike, I
contacted their public affairs officer in Incirlik by e-mail
requesting an update.  I DID NOT DISCLOSE THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF THE
E-MAIL. Master Sgt. Jesse Hall's comments are provided below. 
Remember: U.S. armed forces officers and personnel represent YOU AND I
overseas, and our tax dollars pay for their vigilant presence.  Pray
for their welfare, if you pray.

Best Regards,
Susie & Tez

===================
Forwarded Message:


>Appreciate you taking the time to query us regarding the status of
U.S. forces at Incirlik. It gives us an opportunity to explain what's
happening here and perhaps put to rest some of your concerns.
>
>Indeed, it is true that our main sources of on-base food and
necessities have been blocked by strikers. This has led our people to
seek necessities at
stores in the local city--Adana, Turkey.
>
>On Aug. 1, one of our Air Force members was assaulted outside a local
supermarket. It hasn't been officially proven the assault was
strike-related, but there seems to be an obvious connection. Since
that date, however,
there have been no further incidents off base. 
>
>The leadership here has to gone to great lengths to ensure Americans
can obtain necessities, yet remain safe. For example, our Family
Support Center is running organized trips to a supermarket that offers
a similar
quality of goods as in America. The trips are secured with help from
Air Force and Turkish authorities as well as the supermarket's own
security guard
forces.
>
>Additionally, the base has organized other means to meet the needs of
our populace. For example, the chapel has opened its doors 24 hours a
day, and our services squadron is hosting Saturday picnics with free
food and
drink.

>The base theater is running free matinees for children, and the
youth, child development, fitness and skills development centers
continue to offer their
services.
>
>In terms of food costs, it is a bit more expensive to shop off base.
However, it's comparable--and often less--than what you would pay off
base in the United States for groceries. Additionally, most people
here receive extra pay for being in Turkey. This includes about $20
for foreign duty pay and $150 in extra pay for people assigned to
challenging regions like southern Turkey.

>Also, many people here are in a tax-free status. They don't have to
pay federal taxes while stationed here. And, everyone here is
receiving basic allowance for subsistence at a rate of about $8 per day.
>
>No one at Incirlik should be lacking food or other necessities. The
Air Force's support network, especially here during the strike, is
designed to
ensure all of our populace's basic needs are met. If anyone is
struggling to make ends meet, there are several agencies here and the
community at
large to provide help.
>
>Generally, the Incirlik populace is doing well. Most are probably
quite tired of the strike and associated long work hours. But I think
the level of suffering is very low. I think our status could be summed
up as "very inconvenienced."
>
>If you have any more questions, please let us know. And, again,
thanks for your interest.
>
>Sincerely,
>Master Sgt. Jesse Hall
>Public Affairs
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