Incirlik Airmen to fight binge drinking through That Guy campaign

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Team Incirlik kicked off the That Guy campaign here at its monthly Wing Run Oct. 29.

That Guy campaign, funded by the Department of Defense, has two goals: to reduce alcohol abuse and raise awareness of the negative short-term social consequences of excessive drinking to young servicemembers.

"More than half of the Airmen at Incirlik are between the ages of 18 and 24, and this campaign is aimed at reducing excessive and binge drinking among our servicemembers, especially within that age group," said Col. Eric Beene, the 39th Air Base Wing commander.

This campaign encourages young enlisted personnel to reject binge drinking because it detracts from the things they care about: family, friends, dating, sex, money and reputation according to the That Guy website. It also uses humor to deliver a serious message and provide viral tolls so individuals can be part of the effort to eradicate "that guy."

"We've all seen 'that guy,' who starts the night as a normal guy and after one too many drinks he begins to lose control, spilling drinks and slurring words," said Chief Master Sgt. Shirley Jones, the 39th Mission Support Group superintendent. "Forty-two states and 13 different countries have That Guy campaign presence, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Singapore, Cuba, Guam, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Honduras and Iraq."

Throughout the next year, That Guy public service announcements will be broadcast on the radio and Incirlik's American Forces Network, coasters and posters will be displayed at the consolidated club and clubs off base, and That Guy materials will be distributed at various wing events.

Within the next few months, Incirlik's Alcohol Related Incidents Working Group will transform into the That Guy Booster club to implement and maintain the wing's plan, according to Chief Jones.

"This campaign is not about telling Airmen not to drink; it's about encouraging Airmen to make responsible choices and to have a plan in place if they choose to drink," said Colonel Beene. "We need all Airmen to realize the dangers they face if they drink to excess. Our security environment here only magnifies those dangers."

For more information on the That Guy campain, visit the Web site at www.thatguy.com.