Young minds welcome the new school year Published Aug. 27, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Families walk their children to their first day of school for the 2013-2014 school year Aug. 26, here. As parents anticipated seeing their children off to new classes, they were greeted by Col. Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander, who welcomed the new school year by chiming a gong in front of the school. The chiming of the gong is an annual tradition here at Incirlik AB and, according to Staff Sgt. Cheryce Robinson, 39th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of career development, it gives a sense of community involvement to Incirlik families. "It's exciting," she said. "We all get together like one big family and walk our kids to school; and we get to share that with each other, which is awesome." Not only is it an exciting time for parents to watch their children continue down the path of education but it is also an exciting time for their teachers, said Ladye Daniels, Incirlik Elementary School counselor. "It's always nice to see all of the new students," she said. "It's great to see the parents back, and it feels like one big family community here." The chiming of the gong and "walking your kids to school day" are traditions that many people on Incirlik hold close to their hearts, said Yolanda Hardin, Incirlik Unit School assistant principle. "The 'walk your kids to school day' is one that gets everyone excited," she said.