Mehmet Birbiri; 35 years of dedicated service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  "It felt like only yesterday that I started working here at Incirlik," he said.

That "he" is Mehmet Birbiri, who actually began working here more than 35 years ago.

Mr. Birbiri, a member of the 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office, was recently recognized and honored by his peers and senior leadership for his 35 years of loyal and dedicated service to the 39th Air Base Wing.

"With all of the turnover that we have at Incirlik Air Base, someone that has worked within the 39th Air Base Wing for 35 years becomes an incredible asset," said Col. Anthony Butts, the 39th Air Base Wing vice commander. "His legacy...has provided all of us insight into the Turkish culture so we can enjoy our assignment in Turkey."

"Mr. Birbiri began his work at Incirlik AB, Nov. 24, 1975, and has helped the relationship between the 39th Air Base Wing and the 10th Tanker Command grow. Throughout the years, this bond has grown stronger and stronger each year, and much of the credit belongs to Mr. Birbiri," said 1st Lt Gina McKeen, the chief of 39th ABW PA.

As the host-nation advisor, Mr. Birbiri advises the wing on host nation issues as well as works as a liaison between the 10th Tanker Command and the Turkish media.

Before working as the community relations advisor for the 39th ABW Public Affairs office he held jobs in the laundry department, the law enforcement desk and as a customs liaison at the travel management office here.

Mr. Birbiri's hands extend far beyond the base, though.

While assisting the base with his knowledge, he also finds time to help others. With a master's degree in teaching English as a second language, Mr. Birbiri has devoted many hours teaching Turkish Life and Culture and Turkish language classes at the University of Maryland, University College. He was also a teacher in Turkish high schools in Adana, Turkey.

In 1999, UMUC awarded Mr. Birbiri the Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Award, which UMUC recognizes as the highest teaching accomplishment.

"I just want to help as much as I can," he said.

Mr. Birbiri demonstrated this when a couple decided to get married while stationed at Incirlik in 1989. The couple had a civil ceremony in Incirlik Village that was conducted by the mayor, completely in Turkish.

"Mehmet interpreted the ceremony for us. We didn't ask him; he volunteered," said Gary Pomeroy. "I can't imagine how many truly significant things he has done for folks over the years."

His reach extends even further with his feature stories on Turkish culture, which, were previously published in the Incirlik Air Base weekly newspaper, Tip of the Sword, and are now posted on the Incirlik AB public website.

In his 35 years here, Mr. Birbiri has been recognized for his accomplishments at the base, Major Command, and Air Force levels. He has been named the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Public Affairs Intermediate Grade Civilian of the Year, is a three-time winner of the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Public Affairs Host Nation Employee of the Year Award, has been named the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Outstanding Public Affairs Civilian six times, and has been recognized as the USAFE Outstanding Public Affairs Host Nation Employee of the Year three times.

When asked how much longer he would continue doing this job, Mr. Birbiri simply answered, "As long as leadership allows me to and I'm healthy, I will happily continue serving. This is my dream job."