NATO, 425th ABS reaches out to Buca girls' orphanage Published Jan. 28, 2010 By Tanju Varlikli 425th Air Base Squadron host nation adviser IZMIR AIR STATION, Turkey -- Members of NATO and the 425th Air Base Squadron reached out to the Buca girls' orphanage in the district of Buca Dec. 30 in an effort to bring holiday cheer to those who were most eager to embrace it. NATO and the 425th ABS community members headed by the chaplain's office and the Izmir Junior Enlisted Advisory Council worked together to celebrate the coming of the New Year with 55 girls at the Buca girls orphanage. Upon the squadron's request, the girls orphanage administration provided a wish list of items for the girls. Many volunteers use their time prepare for the annual visit which has become an ongoing tradition the past few years. New Year's gifts were delivered to the girls' orphanage by three dozen Airmen, as well as during local and U.S. civilians. Visitors were greeted with smiling faces in the school garden. After helping carry the gifts and listening to the welcoming remarks of Mehmet Dinç, Buca girls orphanage assistant principal, visitors were treated to performances of singing and dancing by the girls. "We are very thankful, for your valuable contributions and especially your company which is more important than anything for the girls," said Mr. Dinç prior to presenting a letter of appreciation to Lt. Col. William Foster, 425th ABS commander. "This is a great chance for all of our members from the NATO and 425th communities to join you at a very special time," Colonel Foster said. "Thanks for having us here." To culminate the event, a live-music and dance program was performed for the American visitors by pre-teen and teenage girls and followed with gift presentations to all the girls of the orphanage.