Program connects officer with family heritage

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Alejandro Bihar
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  (This story is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)

People in the military understand that being able to relate across cultures is a very important skill. That ability has a more personal meaning for me, though. Cross-cultural competence isn't just a concept in my family. It has been critical to our survival.

I was born in San Miguel, Argentina in 1980 to parents whose families migrated from Hungary during the communist oppression following World War II. The devastation of the war drove my family to seek a new life in a country and culture completely foreign to them.

Through my grandparents' struggles, we have learned to overcome the complexities and challenges of assimilating to another culture. As a family, we were also taught the importance of retaining our heritage and incorporating it into our lives as we embraced new cultures.

I could have never guessed that being in the Air Force would lead to me spending almost a month in Budapest, immersed in Hungarian culture. But that's what happened, as part of my participation in the Air Force's Language Enabled Airman Program.

Since commissioning from Officer Training School, I have made every effort to apply my language skills to the needs of the Air Force. Through self-initiative and study, I have endeavored to maintain and improve my language abilities. Acceptance into LEAP has reinforced my determination to continue a lifelong study of cultures and languages.

LEAP is a career-spanning program that develops and increases foreign language capabilities and cross-cultural competence. It's operated by the Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center, at Maxwell Air Force Base. A key feature of the LEAP program is participating in Language Intensive Training events, or LITEs. LEAP participants undergo an initial LITE, either in the United States or in the country where their foreign language is spoken.

I was selected to participate in a LITE in Budapest, where I attended classes to sustain, enhance and apply my existing Hungarian language skills. Each day for almost a month, I attended language training classes and participated in the cultural life of Budapest.
 
My lessons and learning didn't stop at school. My host family was a vital part of my experience. They made me feel like a member of the family, and were very polite when correcting my many grammar mistakes. My host mom also made a point of cooking a variety of traditional Hungarian meals to enhance the cultural experience. Although the delicious meals may have put my physical training score in danger, I was very grateful for them!

I had never lived in an environment like Budapest before. I learned so much about the society, as well as history of the country from the point of view of its citizens. The city has a life of its own, with endless street vendors, shopping areas and an amazing number of monuments, museums, festivals and other activities for tourists and locals alike.

It was poignant to see the monuments and statues of national heroes, found on nearly every major intersection, that remind Hungarians of the sacrifices that freedom always requires. I could have easily spent another month exploring the cultural and historical significance of the city and still not have experienced all of Budapest.

There is no doubt in my mind that LEAP will contribute to my professional development and opportunities to serve. My recent Language Intensive Training Event has also reconnected me with my family's heritage and cultural background while allowing me to represent my country.

For me, LEAP has renewed the excitement of language learning and cultural discovery. The e-mentoring class provided by LEAP continues to facilitate my language abilities as I work towards becoming a cross-culturally competent leader with a working-level foreign language proficiency - these types of skills will be critical to mission success in the 21st century.

LEAP is an outstanding opportunity to expand on lessons I first learned in my youth. As Maj. Gen. George Olmsted recognized, a lack of exposure and understanding of foreign cultures can be detrimental to the United States' role in the world.

I believe whole heartedly that language and cultural capabilities are a critical component of the military power that undergirds the security of our Nation. For me, there is no greater honor than setting the example through my participation in LEAP.

Hopefully, someday soon I'll get to use my language and culture skills in direct support of Air Force operations, maybe someplace like the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing at Pápa Air Base, Hungary.

Editor's Note: LEAP is a selective program open to officers and enlisted Airmen. The AFCLC is working with the Air Force Personnel Center to ensure that future assignments for LEAP participants take advantage of their skills. For more information, see the AFCLC's website at http://www.culture.af.mil, or call 334-953-7729.