Feeding Freedom Tour wraps up at Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  OSI Restaurant Partners, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, wrapped up its 18-day Feeding Freedom Tour here Oct. 23 during the Fall Fest. 

This is the seventh year OSI has conducted the tour, a tour that demonstrates the company's appreciation for troops serving overseas. 

"This most recent mission to the Middle East marks our seventh trip overseas to feed the men and women who have stepped up to serve our country ," Bill Allen, OSI Restaurant Partners chief executive officer, said in a company press release. "The mission has proved to be a valuable experience for all of our volunteers. Good food is an everyday comfort at home, and they enjoy having the opportunity to boost morale by providing a few of our classic signature dishes to these brave men and women who are defending freedom overseas and are away from their loved ones - it is indeed an honor for all of us at OSI." 

OSI's team of 29 volunteers visited several Middle East bases, serving free food featured at their restaurants to deployed troops. 

"On behalf of the 39th Air Base Wing, it has been a pleasure to host you and your team," said Col. Lawrence Gray, the 39th ABW vice commander as he formally thanked OSI. "And thank you for your tremendous support to our troops down range and our Airmen here at Incirlik." 

Signature items such as the famous Outback Bloomin' Onion, Outback's carrot cake and Bonefish Bang Bang Shrimp were featured. About 3,500 Incirlik members were served. 

"It's a very good feeling to serve our troops and participate in an event like this that lets them know they are appreciated, and not forgotten," said David Alvarado, a vice president of OSI, and the tour's coordinator. "Incirlik has been spectacular. It has exceeded our expectations, and we are appreciative for the hospitality." 

Food was served in a couple locations at Fall Fest, as well as in the nearby Sultan's Inn dining facility. 

"This is awesome--it's like being in a restaurant at home," said Tech. Sgt. Rachael Castrovinci, 39th Operations Squadron. "Events like this are important because it gives us something new to do and eat!" 

In the tour's seven years, about 100,000 troops at forward operating bases have been served.