Turkish employee appreciation

Ch., Capt. Bedemoore Udechukwu, 39th Air Base Wing chaplain, speaks with Salih Cevher, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management, during a Turkish employee appreciation reception at the Club Complex June 9, 2015, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The inaugural event promoted interoperability and partnership between U.S. and Turkish service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams/Released)

Turkish employee appreciation

Col. Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander, and firefighters from the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Incirlik Fire Emergency Services pose for a picture during a Turkish employee appreciation reception at the Club Complex June 9, 2015, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The reception was the first of its kind with more than 300 U.S. and Turkish service members in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams/Released)

39th ABW celebrates Turkish partners

Published June 16, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams
39th Air Base Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- More than 300 people attended a reception in appreciation of Turkish employees assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing at the Club Complex here.

The inaugural event brought U.S. service members, civilians and family members together with Turkish employees to celebrate the partners' contributions to overall mission accomplishment.

"Nearly half of the Airmen that we have working for the 39th Air Base Wing are Turkish citizens," said Col. Craig Wills, 39th ABW commander. "They come here every day and in many cases have been working here for 25, 35, even 55 years, serving our U.S. Air Force as well as Incirlik Air Base. They are an incredible factor in our success, so it's important to take time to recognize them and say thank you for all they do."

U.S. and Turkish workers enjoyed refreshments in the ballroom while discussing their different workplaces. One Turkish national shared what the reception meant to him.

"This kind of event brings us together," said Mustafa Olgen, 39th Medical Group Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. "It's not only just for work in the office but to be good friends too. It's very good that we have this appreciation, so we can get to know each other well and learn about our different cultures. This event is not usual but maybe it can be a new beginning."