Aviano's Finest - U.S. Civilian Category Published June 16, 2009 AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Unit: 31st Force Support Squadron Rank: YA-02 How long have you worked for the military? 26 years Title of address: Mr. First & Last Name: Martin Sibley Duty Title: Bowling Center Manager Hometown City, State and/or Country: Albuquerque, N.M. How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission? I support the mission by being the best bowling center manager I can be. Bowling is one of the leisure programs available to our Airmen and the families stationed at Aviano and I want to make them happy. Throughout my tour here at Aviano, I have worked to upgrade the bowling center bringing us to the 21st century. The Aviano Bowling Center is a USBC certified 12-lane house equipped with a state of the art cosmic bowling package, automated bumper system and scoring, arcade game room, touch tune music system, full service bar, adult amusement machines, pro shop (sales and service), and Bubba's BBQ. . We focus on the customer and from toddler to seniors -- we have a program for you!The center also runs birthday parties, squadron events, and leagues, tournaments, Santa's Breakfast, New Year 's Eve and St. Patrick 's Day parties. I help put the FUN into FSS. What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Italy has been united since March 17, 1861 and has seen a lot of changes throughout history from the ancient times to current so to pinpoint one thing is almost impossible. The one thing that I have learned about the Italian history, people and culture is the closeness of family. Without its strong family ties, the historical buildings or areas we visit would not exist. We are so lucky to be hosted in this beautiful country. What's one advantage of being stationed overseas? One advantage of being stationed overseas is the ability to go to any country in Europe within a few hours, at a very reasonable price, with affordable lodging. So far I have been to Germany, Italy, Slovenia, United Kingdom and Croatia. I have wanted to see the entire world my whole life and being stationed here in Italy gives me that opportunity. What's your favorite European destination and why? I would have to say Capri and the Costa Amalfitana as far as destination. I am also a big fan of outdoor activities and the tours that Outdoor Recreation offers are outstanding i.e. White Water Rafting was a highlight for me. I also do a lot of hiking in the local area, so I have hiked on several weekends to include overnight and must say that it has been quit enjoyable with so many beautiful sights. Good exercise and good people have made my time here enjoyable and relaxing even without my family being here to enjoy it with me. Why I nominated Mr. Sibley as one of Aviano's Finest? Mr. Sibley has updated the "look" of the bowling center bringing it into the 21st Century with new masking units, colorful paint, new furniture, Bubba's BBQ, and new pro-shop display. The bowling center has done a 360 degree turnaround financially in the past nine months. Mr. Sibley designs programs with the customer in mind, now featuring Cosmic Quarter Tuesdays, $5 Thursdays, theme parties throughout the center such as Airman's 80's, Cinco de Mayo and Hawaiian nights. Mr. Sibley has breathed life into the Aviano Bowling Center." - Alicia O'Peirce, 31st Force Support Squadron