Celebration honors 100 years of Turkish air power Published June 10, 2011 By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik U.S. and Turkish service members and their families celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Turkish air force at Arkadas Park May 27. "Each year the anniversary of the Turkish air force is celebrated throughout the country," explained Turkish air force Capt. Burcu Altinok, 10th Tanker Base Command protocol officer. "However, this year is particularly special because we're celebrating our 100th anniversary." The festivities included a variety of food, activities for children, a mechanical bull, music played by DJ Cengiz Yasak, and performances by bands Pandora and the popular Turkish band Mogollar. Planning, coordinating and hosting the event was a partnership effort between the Turkish air force 10th Tanker Base Command and the 39th Air Base Wing. "It took many people to plan this out. To do it, the Turkish side and the U.S. side got together to make this activity become a reality," Captain Altinok said. "To make this enjoyable for everyone, we got together vendors for food and the music. We also brought in generators for electric and many other things." Capt. Daniel Beaudoin, 39th Security Forces Squadron plans and programs chief in charge of American security for the event, said the Turkish air force's 100th anniversary celebration was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and he was glad to be able to participate and assist the Turkish air force set up for the occasion. "This is a big event for them, 100 years for their Air Force, and it's unique to be a part of it," Captain Beaudoin said. "I enjoyed the cooperative effort. It's been neat to be a part of such a big event in their history," The Turkish air force, one of the world's oldest aviation organizations, was enacted June 1, 1911.