New program encourages cultural exchange, building friendships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  In the spirit of promoting long-lasting friendships, 52nd Fighter Wing first-term Airmen will meet with German families Aug. 12 when the local nationals open their homes to them through the base’s Adopt an Airman program.

The new program, designed to encourage on-going cultural exchange between Americans and the German local nationals, has already gained the interest of more than 50 local families who heard about Adopt an Airman through their local newspapers and town officials.

Currently, about 800 Airmen are eligible for the program.

“This is a great opportunity for local families to learn about American culture, practice English and share German experiences with young Airmen by inviting them into their homes or out for special occasions,” said Bernhard Schaefer, 52nd FW community relations chief. “In turn, it’s a great opportunity for younger Airmen to learn first-hand about German culture and language.”

Providing first-term Airmen with a genuine German experience is key to establishing and maintaining long-lasting friendships.

“We want to offer a constructive environment and encourage Airmen who are away from home to get out of the dorm and experience the European culture,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jimmy Kelly, 52nd FW command chief master sergeant. “We want to facilitate an enriching and on-going cultural exchange between Americans and our German hosts.”

And the cultural exchange should also lead to a better understanding for both the Airmen and the locals, said Jill Bollig, Trittenheim native and owner of a local winery.

“When I read about the Adopt an Airman program, I thought it was a very good idea, and a very fun idea,” said Mrs. Bollig. “We always see the jets fly overhead, but nobody in Trittenheim really knows what goes on at the air base or why Americans are here. It’s a good opportunity for us to learn more about you, and we just love meeting new people.”

And Mrs. Bollig isn’t the only German host who thinks it’s a good idea.

“I’m very interested in learning about other cultures and creating international friendships,” said Werner Pies, a retired teacher from Bitburg, Germany. “I want to support the air base and I look forward to showing an Airman around the area.”

(Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey, 52nd FW/PA, contributed to this story)