Recently, twenty-five female soldiers, NCO's, and Officers of the 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery dubbed "The Fighting Deuce" attended an international Women's Day luncheon with female soldiers of 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. 

Though breaking bread with Turkish forces required the use of translators and mobile language applications, US forces were able to have various discussions, talk about children, family, and friends with their counterparts. The event helped reveal how much both sides have in common, despite gaps in language, geography, and culture.

Read more at the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System