2013 International Student Support Award

by Capt. Ashley Walker
Air Education and Training Command

3/20/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas  -- Air Education and Training Command officials presented Dee Ann Martin, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Country Sponsor Program chairwoman and realtor broker for Wichita Falls, Texas, the Second Annual AETC International Student Support Award at the 80th Flying Training Wing 2013 Annual Awards Ceremony, recently.

The International Student Support Award is awarded to a person whose long-term, volunteer efforts have significantly and positively helped international air force students at AETC schools adjust to life in the U.S. and succeed in their academic endeavors.

"There is so little we can do to give back and recognize many people and organizations that help us," said Col. Lance Bunch, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, while presenting the award. "I am happy to present Ms. Martin the International Student Support Award, which highlights the important role community supporters play in the well-being and success of the Air Force."

Bunch said Martin was critical to the success of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program through her continuous involvement in the ENJJPT Country Sponsor Program for more than 34 years. As the chairwoman, Martin ensures international students are matched with sponsor families who welcome, encourage, and support international pilots and their family members.

Martin's enthusiasm over the years helped showcase the local community to more than 85 international instructor pilots, 110 students and their families. Also, she worked to ensure international families are fully integrated in the community, through coordination of appropriate schooling, medical care and volunteer opportunities.

"The local community gives us their time and effort out of the kindness of their heart and it makes the NATO alliance stronger," said Bunch. "We can't thank them enough."

ENJJPT is conducted by the 80th FTW at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. It is the only fighter pilot training program in the world that is internationally manned, managed and jointly run. Students from the U.S. and up to 13 other NATO Nations annually participate in one of four ENJJPT training courses: Undergraduate Pilot Training, ENJJPT Instructor Pilot Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, and IFF Upgrade Instructor Pilot training.