Female service members from Turkish, U.S., Spanish, and Polish groups at Incirlik Air Base celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8. This day is about honoring the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political fields around the world. The theme for this year is “Women who make great achievements.”
At Incirlik AB, they celebrated the female service members for their great achievement of defending NATO’s southern flank. Incirlik AB is a Turkish military base, and it hosts members from different countries, including the U.S., Spain, and Poland, all supporting NATO.
These women play important roles in protecting NATO’s interests in southern Turkey. For example, Turkish Air Force 1st Lieutenant Ozgecan Ozcan Engin flies F-16s to support Turkish national interests. Ceren Erden, also from the Turkish Air Force, is an air lawyer advising the leaders of the 10th Tanker Base.
In the U.S. contingent, there’s Major Danielle Caudill, who is the Director of Operations for the 39th Force Support Squadron. She’s responsible for training and leading personnel. She’s also passionate about mentoring young officers, especially women.
U.S. Airman Jaclyn Schultz is another remarkable member. She’s a radar, aircraft, and weather specialist, recognized as the volunteer of the year for the 39 ABW. She’s actively involved in various base activities and interacts with NATO partners regularly.
From Poland, we have First Lieutenant Monika Ryzowcz and Lance Corporal Iwona Pol. Ryzowcz is a lawyer advising the Polish Military Contingent, while Pol monitors the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in support of NATO Naval Command.
From Spain, there’s Lieutenant Maria Galan Garrido, Sgt. Sara Maria Cea Becerra, and 1st Sgt. Noelia Guevara Marquez. They all serve the Spanish Patriot Battery unit, protecting Adana from air-based threats.
These women from different countries work together to advance democratic values and NATO interests in Turkey. Their teamwork strengthens NATO’s presence in the region and sets an example for future female service members.
Col. Kevin Lord, the 39ABW commander, appreciates the efforts of these women. He believes that their achievements and cooperation make NATO’s mission in Turkey stronger than ever and inspire the next generation of female service members.
