Be an ambassador of goodwill – sponsor an international student pilot

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Being an American diplomat isn't just for politicians and government figures. In fact, global relations can happen in your own backyard in the International Student Sponsor Program. 

For many international student pilots, their training here is their first visit to the United States, said 1st Lt. Scott Reinecke, 71st Operations Support Squadron and International Military Student Training officer. 

"They generally face the problem of adjusting to life and working in a closely-knit American community characterized by unfamiliar customs and traditions," explained the lieutenant from Chalmette, La. "The sponsorship program provides help to international students and their families by informing them about American society, family life and ideals." 

Sponsoring an international student gives people first-hand knowledge of the complexities of other cultures, but more importantly the similarities between American and other cultures. 

"While showing them our way of life, sponsors learn about the students and their countries," he said. "First impressions formed by the international students about the United States and its citizens influence the relationships between their countries and ours." 

Doug and Maritta Walker sponsored international students for about 16 years and enjoy learning about the individuals and their different cultures. 

"We started the program in 1991 when our son, Craig, went to college," Mrs. Walker said. "We enjoy making students feel welcomed in our country and helping them adjust to our way of life." 

The Walkers sponsored student pilots from Saudi Arabia, Italy, Algeria, Singapore and Nigeria over the years and said many of them have preconceived notions about Americans. 

"Some students think all Americans were like cowboys in the movies," she said. "I think it's surprising to some of them how similar families are here to their own back home." 

Mr. Walker, who is a quality assurance inspector for the Precision Measurement Equipment Lab at Vance, said students don't always have a lot of time to spend with their sponsors, so they take advantage of the time they do have together by sitting down for a meal or just having them over to visit. 

"Some people may feel a little intimidated about being a sponsor because they think it is a 24/7 job," said the retired Army sergeant first class. "They are eager to learn and appreciate any amount of time you have to spend with them." 

The Walkers even had student pilots' families visit too. 

"We really enjoy meeting their loved ones and spending time with them too," Mrs. Walker said. "It's like having an extended family. 

The international students are entered into a Field Studies Program, where they follow lesson plans tailored around 11 objectives - human rights, law of war, diversity and American life, U.S. government institutions, political processes, the judicial system, free market system, education, health and human services, media, and international peace and security, Lieutenant Reinecke said. 

Each year, the students travel to Washington, D.C., for a five-day trip to the nation's capitol, he said. The students visit Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. capitol building, the Holocaust Museum, all of the war memorials, the Smithsonian museums and attend a social luncheon with the defense attaché from each country's embassy. 

"The FSP program is a tremendous tool in enlightening the world's next military leaders on the history of the United States and the vision of human rights and peace," Lieutenant Reinecke. 

For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Lieutenant Reinecke at 213-6353.