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Good neighbors offer cultural perspective

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  There are many opportunities to get involved in the Grand Slam Wing, but only one offers a bi-weekly opportunity to share cultural exchanges with the host nation.

Jar Saleh is an organization, which strives to develop good public relations between members of the coalition community and the local population. Jar Saleh is Arabic for good neighbor.

"It's a great opportunity to experience something outside our walls, and see how our host nation partners live and what they value," said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Bradley, 609th Air Communications Squadron Detachment 1. "It's been absolutely awesome to build relationships (with the host nation partners) I wouldn't have had the chance otherwise."

One of the ways the organization works to build stronger relationships is to focus on sports and academics.

"Sporting events and academics like science are two things both of our cultures share," said Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Slater, 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group superintendent. "It's an easier way to better understand a person and build on a relationship by doing something you both already know something about."

For service members who enjoy the athletic side, Jar Saleh has something for everyone.

"We are arranging a base basketball and soccer team to play between the local schools and our host nation partners," Bradley said. "We also have in the past set up trips for service members to view professional games in the local community, which received positive reviews from those who have attended."

The Science and Technology Advancement and Relationship program is another way service members can interact with the local community.

"Our biggest goal with our STAR program is to expand our relationship with the local community," said Capt. Kenrick Kokaram, 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron deputy commander. "The program allows us to forge an enduring relationship between the United States and host nation through educational and leadership outreach focused on mutual advancement of science, technology, engineering and math related activities."

In the past, Jar Saleh has used organizations like the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight to show local school children how robotics can be used in day-to-day jobs.

"Service members should take advantage of these various volunteer opportunities such as rocketry and robotics to help solidify a lasting friendship with our host nation," Kokaram said.

The group takes two trips a month to allow service members a chance to expose themselves to the local community to include local museums, theater performances and local shops. These opportunities occur twice a month and are on a first come first serve basis when the invitation is sent out to the Grand Slam community. For those who want to be actively involved, Jar Saleh meets twice a month on the second Thursday at 5 p.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Operations Town Conference room.