Turkish, American forces foster bonds during social

Turkish Air Force Brig. Gen. Serdar Gulbas, 10th Tanker Base commander and Col. Chris Craige, 39th Air Base Wing commander, shake hands before departing ways at the Turkish-American Social Sept. 29, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Col. Craige and his wife, Penny, invited members of both the 10 Tanker command and the 39th ABW to their home for an evening of music, socializing and camaraderie. U.S. and Turkish service members and civilians work together daily at Incirlik conducting patrols, providing sustenance services, maintaining housing and improving quality of life for Airmen and families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker)

Turkish Social

U.S. and Turkish Air Force members, spouses and friends were given the opportunity to share the evening together at the home of 39th Air Base Wing Commander, Col. Chris Craige, here at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Sept. 29, 2012. The two nations partner together to support and protect U.S., Turkish and NATO assets and people throughout Turkey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker/Released)

Turkish, American forces foster bonds during social

Members of the 39th Air Base Wing and the Turkish Air Force 10th Tanker Command gather for a photo at the Turkish-American Social Sept. 29, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The event gives members of each command a chance to socialize on a personal level by sharing stories, ideas and a few laughs in a relaxed setting. At Incirlik, U.S. and Turkish service members work hand-in-hand supporting base operations and security, furthering NATO and U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker/Released)

Turkish, American forces foster bonds during social

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tonney Kaw-Uh (left) and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alper Gokten, discuss sports during the Turkish-American Social Sept. 29, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Members of the 39th Air Base Wing and the Turkish Air Force 10th Tanker Command gathered for a social at the home of Col. Chris Craige, 39th Air Base Wing commander, to relax, mingle and share ideas and stories with each other, which in turn, helps strengthen the partnership between the nations. Kaw-Uh is the 39th ABW inspector general and Gokten is a 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron supply technician. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker/Released)

Turkish, American forces foster bonds during social

Published Oct. 18, 2012
By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S. Lewis

Exploring common ground is many times the basis of relationships, whether personal or for business. In the profession of arms, there is no tighter bond than a mutual understanding of support during hard times.

At Incirlik AB, Airmen share a distinct bond with members of the Turkish air force. There is a level of mutual trust in one another as they work together securing the installation and completing NATO objectives.

Members of the 39th Air Base Wing and the 10th Tanker Command got a chance to step back from the emails and phone calls and bond through music, food and common experiences.

Our partnership is strengthened through events such as these, and trust is built as members can laugh, relate and begin to understand each other, making it easier to accomplish the mission together.