Based on following research essay, generate a thesis statement. Here is an essay: Turkey holds a special place in Koreans' hearts. Their relationship dates back to the Korean War, when North Korea invaded South Korea. Turkey sent over 15,000 troops to aid South Korea during that conflict, which South Koreans still greatly regard and appreciate today. Furthermore, cultural exchanges and collaboration across various domains have  strengthened relations between two countries over time; for instance, the Korean Cultural Center in Istanbul promotes Korean culture to Turkish people. Even though Turkey aided South Korea with good intentions during the war, there may have been additional motives behind their involvement.
On the early morning of June 25, 1950, war broke out on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean forces quickly advanced on Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, using more than 200 warplanes and 240 Soviet-made tanks. As North Korean forces rapidly advanced southward, they stormed South Korean frontlines with more than eight times as many artillery pieces, hugely outnumbering South Korean military forces. Not only were South Koreans shocked, but members of democratic western nations such as those belonging to the UN and NATO were as well. North Korea had tremendous military strength due to having both China and Russia behind them, which gave them considerable military support. North Korea's invasion of South Korea was truly shocking given Russia's westward expansion and the subsequent instability that accompanied it, toppling Eastern European nations along the way. If North Korea were to gain control of the Korean Peninsula, Japan and then the United States may be vulnerable. The United Nations quickly passed Resolutions 82 and 83, demanding North Korean forces withdraw. However, the resolutions weren't effective, and soon they passed Resolution 84, authorizing immediate military assistance for the Korean Peninsula. After Resolution 84 was adopted, NATO prepared to demonstrate its unity. Seven months post-invasion, Eisenhower became Commander-in-Chief of this new army composed of 96 divisions across 30 nations.
 
          At the time of war's outbreak, Turkey was trying to join NATO; hence it saw this conflict as an opportunity to do so. Soviet forces were gradually expanding their power towards Turkey and they needed help from other nations as Soviet slowly extended their grip across Turkey. But NATO and the United States rejected Turkey's request: for one, Turkey was too far from North Atlantic to become a member nation, and secondly because they were predominantly Muslim unlike all of counterparts in NATO. Further complicating matters was NATO's European members refusing to share massive U.S. economic aid with Turkey despite Turkey's desperate desire to join in order to protect their country from communist Soviets - though their application was declined and in turn led to war with Korea. Turkey quickly decided to send troops, and promptly implemented this decision. Turkish military leaders wanted to demonstrate to the international community that they could make a significant contribution with 5,455 troops - fourth most after United States, UK, and Canada and second country after USA to land troops in Korea. On October 17, 1950, just three months after the outbreak of war, a Turkish infantry brigade arrived at the port of Busan.
 
            Whatever their motivation was, Turkish infantry brigades were deployed with the U.S. Army's 25th Division and engaged in an unprecedented four-year war that claimed over 3,000 deaths and wounds while simultaneously eliminating nearly double that number of enemy forces. American and South Korean soldiers gave them accolades for their valor, while international recognition paved the way for Turkey to join NATO on September 20, 1951, just 11 months into its involvement in Korea. NATO expanded beyond its 12 original members when Turkey and Greece, both active in the Korean War, joined as new members. Greece sent 1,263 soldiers as an initial contribution toward joining NATO alongside Turkey. Greece and Turkey, two new members responsible for NATO's eastern border, immediately took advantage of its nuclear umbrella and economic aid provided by the United States. NATO's organizational culture of responding to any attack against one member state as an attack against all NATO members provided Turkey with protection against attacks from the Soviet Union.
 
           As history demonstrates, Turkey's primary motivation for sending troops to Korea was to gain an excuse to join NATO, along with a hidden agenda to secure its own security. Furthermore, joining the allies would strengthen Turkey's position among the democratic nations and demonstrate its loyalty to the Western bloc. Furthermore, participation brought economic and military aid from the United States. As a result, Turkey is home to NATO troops and a key missile base today. Regardless of their motives for their blood and sweat, Turkey is still a nation that sheds its blood for the Koreans.