Soldiers of the 'The Fighting Deuce' enjoy ‘Sister Strong’ luncheon with Turkish friends

Courtesy Photo | Many female U.S Army Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery (“The Fighting Deuce”) attended an International Women’s Day luncheon, March 8, with female Soldiers and wives of Soldiers from the Turkish 5th Armor Brigade in Gaziantep, Turkey. Besides enjoying a good meal and lively conversation, the participants were also able to establish new friendships, further helping to build better communication that enhances the vital Turkish-American partnership. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kathryn Zurmehly, 5-52 11th ADA  

GAZIANTEP, TURKEY

03.08.2015

Courtesy Story

10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

GAZIANTEP, Turkey - Twenty-five female Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of the 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery (“The Fighting Deuce”) attended an International Women’s Day luncheon, March 8, with female Soldiers and wives of Soldiers from the Turkish 5th Armor Brigade in Gaziantep, Turkey.

This is believed to be the first time an event like this was held to foster closer cooperation between the Turkish and U.S. forces, as well as celebrating the contribution of females to both units. Every guest received a fresh red carnation, the flower for International Women’s Day.

The meal was buffet style, consisting of many local delicacies, including cheese and pastries made with the locally-grown pistachios. One U.S. Soldier, Pvt. Torri Johnson, had her birthday on the same day as the luncheon, and she was treated to a bright pink birthday cake and the Turkish version of ‘Happy Birthday.’

The females of The Fighting Deuce shared tables with the Turkish Soldiers and spouses and, conversation was lively, even with the language barrier. Discussions ranged from family to food to basketball practice. Several people tried to teach each other their respective language, with varying and entertaining degrees of success.

Technology was a frequent presence throughout these discussions. Both the Turks and the Americans often used translator applications on their phones so they could have more complex conversations without the aid of the few linguists present. Other times phones were used to show pictures of children, family, and friends to each other, similar to earlier times when people would pull photos out of their wallet. Many of the Turkish delegation and 5-52 Soldiers had small children they were proud to show off to their new friends. Of course, the phones were also used by both groups to take numerous pictures of themselves and others, proving that the selfie is definitely an international phenomenon.

The technological connection continued after the event, too. Some of the guests and the female Soldiers found each other on Facebook, where they continued to learn each other’s language and culture, further building the connection between 5-52 ADA and the 5th Armor Brigade. The event helped to show everyone how much they have in common, despite the gaps in geography, culture, and language.

The Fighting Deuce prides itself on its theater security cooperation and landmark Sisters-in-Arms program. These two very important areas of emphasis converged in Gaziantep. Female Soldiers from both units as well as the 5th Armor Brigade spouses formed tremendous bonds and relationships, factors crucial to successful cooperation among allies. The Fighting Deuce and 5th Armor Brigade intend to hold more Sisters-in –Arms events like this in the future, benefiting not only the female Soldiers and spouses from each unit, but assisting in building even greater cooperation among allies as they face increasingly complex strategic challenges together.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2015
• Date Posted: 03.18.2015 09:25
• Story ID: 157332
• Location: GAZIANTEP, TR