Five selected for 2015 Olmsted scholarships Published March 20, 2014 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Five Air Force officers have been selected to participate in the Olmsted Scholar Program, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, Air Force Personnel Center officials said March 20.The program offers Air Force line officers an opportunity to study in a foreign language at an international university. Participants will experience cultural immersion in a selected country, including university study in the native language, said Maj. Yulanda Bogany, the officer developmental education branch chief.Officers selected by the foundation will spend up to one year in language proficiency training at the Defense Language Institute, if required, and will then complete two years of study in a foreign graduate program, Bogany said.The Olmsted Foundation uses the scholarship program to offer outstanding young military leaders with an opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university and develop understanding of foreign cultures, Bogany said. Officers from every military branch may apply for the program, which helps to equip graduates for increasing leadership responsibility and opportunities."Education is a critical component of developing strategic awareness and vision," Bogany said. "The Olmsted scholarship offers our officers a rare opportunity to develop academically as well as culturally, which ultimately enhances our Air Force."Class of 2015 Olmsted scholars include Captains Melissa Dombrock, Jonathan Hassell, William Herbert, David Manrrique and Daniel Wynn.For more information about developmental opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.