Little Rock AFB forges relationships with international students Published Jan. 21, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Mercedes Taylor 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark -- As the cornerstone of C-130 Combat Airlift, the 314th Airlift Wing trains Airmen, sister services and international service members to become combat airlifters. While the international students receive formal training, the International Military Student Office works to establish lasting relationships and introduce students to American culture on a personal level. The goal is for the international students to take with them not only a wealth of knowledge about the C-130, but a better understanding of local culture and a small experience of American life. "Students are here for varying lengths of time. The length of the training courses can vary from a week to more than six months. We try to offer additional experiences here," said Capt. Austin Nick, a 714th Training Squadron International Military Student office (IMSO). "Students go through a rigorous 24/7 training program here at Little Rock Air Force Base. It's very difficult to get all of the students together to go on a trip; however, we work hard to provide broadening opportunities outside of the training curriculum." The IMSO has teamed up with the International Friendship Outreach (IFO) program to forge relationships with the international students to give them a memorable American experience while they are training abroad. IFO is consists of local residents whom reach out to international students that come to study or live in Central Arkansas. "We believe cross-cultural friendships are valuable assets," said LaJuana Magee, International Friendship Outreach director. "We have opened our doors and hearts to people of all nations for 30 years." IFO has opened their doors to students by hosting a variety of events throughout Arkansas. "We offer Friendship Partners, conversational English, special events, parties, picnics, day trips and more," Magee said. The program allows the international students a break from their training and gives them a glimpse of the total Team Little Rock community. "'Attending community and off-base events enables the students to get out of the rigors of the training environment and enjoy their time off base," Nick said. "It helps them relax, enjoy our culture and, hopefully, have an effect on the quality they put forth into their training endeavors." The partnership also forges stronger bonds between the international students, Little Rock Air Force Base and Central Arkansas community. Those interpersonal connections - the esprit de corps of the C-130 family -- translate directly to operational success with the worldwide reach of the C-130 mission. "The relationships we create with our international partners are some of our most essential bonds," said Col. James Dryjanski, 314th Airlift Wing Commander. "When we take care of our international students as fellow Airmen and give them the opportunity to experience the welcoming Central Arkansas community, we can break down cultural barriers and accomplish our mission more effectively." For more information about the program and opportunities to participate, contact Public Affairs at 19aw.pa@us.af.mil.