Incirlik Celebrates the Air Force Ball

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Timothy Taylor
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Incirlik is gearing up to celebrate the Air Force's 60th, USAFE's 65th and Incirlik's 53rd Anniversaries. One activity being held to commemorate these events will be the Air Force Ball.

The Air Force Ball has been a tradition celebrated annually across the United States Air Force and bases overseas are no exception. Incirlik's Air Force Ball is planned for Sep. 22 inside Hanger 4. The social hour will start at 6 p.m. and the meal service will begin at 7 p.m. The dress for the evening is formal, mess dress, or semi-formal blues with white shirt, and no hat.

"Hanger 4 is set up for 400-500 people; If we have more people, we would just increase the capacity," said Master Sergeant Phillip Nelson, 39th Communications Squadron security manager. "In the hanger we can accommodate everyone who wants to attend."

The Air Force ball is a formal celebration to get military personnel and significant others together to celebrate the anniversary of the Air Force. Airmen will get a chance to socialize with other Airmen or commanders they wouldn't normally encounter on base.

"We'd like to get as many participants as possible and we'd like to get strong representation from young Airmen," said Sergeant Nelson. "We'd like to give young Airmen a feeling of what it's like to go to a formal event and hopefully enjoy and cherish the celebration."

Ticket sales will start Sept. 4 and each squadron will have a point of contact; Airmen can also purchase tickets Sept. 15-16 at the Base Exchange.

To help lower the cost to the Airmen, Incirlik is also selling commemorative coins.
The coins will have the Air Force 60th anniversary logo on one side, and the Air Force Wings with Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and the Department of the Air Force insignia on the other. Any Airmen interested in purchasing a commemorative coin, which will cost $5 each, can contact Sergeant Nelson at 676-3215.

To help kick of the anniversary celebrations there will be a half marathon Sept. 15 at Arkadas Park. Incirlik's half marathon will be held the same day as the 11th United States Air Force Marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Deployed Bases do not participate in things such as the Air Force Marathon unless sponsorship is granted by the Air Force Marathon Committee.

"All I did was contact the person listed on a flyer from Airmen Magazine and told them what I wanted to do," said Technical Sergeant Samantha Dunn, 39th Medical Group.

After working closely with the Air Force Marathon Committee, Captain Nicole Wilson, 39th Medical Group Health Promotion manager, the HAWC, Staff Sergeant Jesus Mendoza 39th Services Squadron, the Fitness Center and Mr. Christopher Whitener 39th Services Squadron at Outdoor Recreation to arrange the event.

The marathon has 3 different options for participation; the 13.1 mile run or bike, 13.1 mile four person team relay, or the 5K walk or bike. All are welcomed to participate in the commemorative event.

The individual and team that finishes first will receive a prize in the following categories: male 35 and up, male 34 and under, female 35 and up, female 34 and under, and the number one relay team.

Registration for this event is free; to sign up contact the Fitness Center at 676-6086, but be sure to sign in at the starting line between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.