Team Incirlik remembers fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Members of the 39th Air Base Wing paid tribute to a fallen member of the Incirlik community at a memorial service Aug. 22, at the base chapel.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Curran, Incirlik community center director, passed away Aug. 19. In his two years at Incirlik, he made a lasting impression on several members of the community, whether it was helping someone plan a trip or coordinating a base event to boost the morale of Airmen and families here.

"Pat was the one to be there from the start to the finish," said Michelle Martinez, acting manager of the community center. "There were times his day began at 3 a.m. for a tour and he would insist to be the last one standing as the tour left. When I would ask him why, he would say 'Who else is going to do it? It's all about the people.'"

The Eoyta, Minn., native's dedication to duty was one of many things speakers at the ceremony said they will remember the most about Curran, who served a combined 37 years of military and civil service duty. From service members and civil service workers, local national employees and children, Curran affected many people at Incirlik.

One member of the community spoke about his last moments with Curran before he left Turkey for the final time.

"Before he left, I said, sir, I want to see you again," said Mehmet Kocacay, a Turkish employee of the 39th Force Support Squadron who frequently worked with Curran and . "He tried, but he couldn't," he said, before becoming overwhelmed with tears.

Curran was the backbone to many of the programs and events at Incirlik and to the community center staff, according to his co-workers. From changing a flat tire, buying lunch, moving a piano, or simply giving sound advice from his well-seasoned, sometimes sarcastic perspective, he took time for his people, who expressed their gratitude for him during the ceremony.

"He took care of his staff and was well respected by all of his employees. I will never forget when we aluminum foiled his entire office, from his keyboard to his chair for bosses day and all he did was smile and say 'That's a good one, can't believe I work with a bunch of crazy women," Martinez said, as she delivered the eulogy during the ceremony.

Members of the community shared stories about Curran and his wife traveling the world and talking about their six grandchildren. Although he is gone Curran's memory will live on through those he affected personally and also by the hundreds of Incirlik residents who have benefited from his efforts of providing entertainment, trips and activities for members of the Incirlik community.