For the last year, AAFSW has collaborated with National Defense University (NDU) to identify sponsors for their International Fellows (IFs). As the new academic year approaches, we will be looking for new sponsors again. Probably the best recommendation for the program is that those of us who sponsored this year plan to do so again for the upcoming year.

So what is it all about? NDU is located at Ft. McNair in D.C. Among their offerings are a number of courses available to approximately 130 senior military officers (IFs) from all over the world. Many of the IFs ask for community sponsors while they are here from June to June. Some of the IFs are here by themselves, but most bring their families, at least for part of the year.

The ideal community sponsor is here for the full year and maintains monthly contact with the IF or their family. They honestly have a very full schedule and don’t have time to meet every month. There is a picnic sponsored by NDU in the Fall and an international meal offered by the IFs in May. Otherwise, the sponsor is there to help them and basically be a friendly resource for the IFs.Lodging and financial support is provided for the IFs and none is expected from the sponsor. NDU asks the sponsor to fill out a form to introduce themselves before the pairing assignments are made, allowing them to make mutually conducive groups. No military background is required, just a willingness to share our way of life and learn about theirs.

Following is a snapshot of some sponsor experiences 2024 - 2025. The IFs included men from Bosnia-Hersegovina, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Maldives.This particular group shared concerts, a ceremony by the Old Guard, an Indonesian festival, Halloween, a “Friendsgiving” for 17 (with two Halal turkeys and all the fixings), a more traditional Thanksgiving for six people, a Christmas party, a ceremony for the NDU Hall of Fame, spouse presentations on Egypt and Malaysia, an Iftar dinner during Ramadan for the Muslim IFs (pictured here), more concerts and lots of emails. By all accounts, friends were made and mutual appreciation developed. Some people consider it a soft diplomacy.

The IF sponsored feast (apparently one of the highlights of the year for NDU) is coming up soon and so is the search for new sponsors to supplement the returning sponsors. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Melanie McFeeters (mcfeetersfamily@gmail.com) or Dorothea Cypher-Erickson at dorothea.erick@gmail.com . You will be glad you did!

Photos below: