The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) was founded at Air University in April 2006, embracing the Air Force Chief of Staff's intention to improve Airmen's cross-cultural competence. In April 2007, the Air Force further demonstrated its commitment to culture learning by selecting cross-cultural competence as the centerpiece of Air University's re-accreditation efforts.

In December 2007, the Center was made responsible for culture and language training, as well as education, across the entire Air Force. In October 2009, the Air Force Senior Language Authority directed AFCLC to initiate the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP), a career-spanning program to develop a cadre of Airmen across all specialties with working-level foreign language proficiency.

AFCLC's efforts are guided by Air Force Policy Directive 36-40 and DAFI 36-4005, as well as numerous Joint guidance documents.

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Walter H. Ward - Director

Mr. Walter H. (Howard) Ward, Jr. is the Director of the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) at Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL. The AFCLC is a team of 50 military, federal civilian, and contract personnel that support the application of airpower by enabling seamless operation with many air forces using culture, regional expertise, and language education and training. The AFCLC develops officer and enlisted Airmen proficient in language, culture and negotiation competencies covering 95 languages through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP). The AFCLC also reaches over 210,000 Airmen per year through online training, Community College of the Air Force-accredited courses, officer professional military education, General Officer pre-deployment training, media operations, and expeditionary culture field guides. Mr. Ward is a retired colonel and Master Navigator with over 4,400 hrs. in KC-135A/R/RT, C-130E/H1/H2/H3/J. His most recent operational assignment was Commander, 317th Airlift Group, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. He commanded six squadrons, consisting of 1,200 aviators, maintenance professionals and support personnel, and 28 C-130J aircraft engaged in worldwide combat aerial delivery operations.

Neka Ponn - Deputy Director

Mrs. Neka M. Ponn is the Deputy Director of the Air Force Culture and Language Center. Neka joined the Air Force Culture and Language Center in 2021 as Education Administrator and then advanced to Foreign Language Distance Learning Program Manager. Before joining AFCLC, some of Mrs. Ponn’s previous roles were at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Vaccine Program Office and the U.S. Army Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Procurement. Experienced in program management with a passion for data analysis, she has successfully led large-scale initiatives providing data-driven solutions and fostering collaboration across multiple disciplines. Mrs. Ponn is dedicated to advancing mission goals and driving organizational outcomes for AFCLC.

Chris Chesser - Chief, Language Division

Mr. Chris Chesser is responsible for developing language enabled Airmen and Guardians across the General-Purpose Force. He oversees the AFCLC language division team, leads course development, develops systems requirements, and manages financial resources. His portfolio encompasses the Language Enabled Airman Program, Foreign Area Officer in-region training and sustainment, and collaboration with other language communities. Mr. Chesser has 26 years combined Air Force military and civilian experience in force support, professional military education, and instructional design. Mr. Chesser is four-time MAJCOM annual award recipient and is recipient of the 2020 AETC International Affairs Excellence Award.

Alexandru Stoica - Deputy Chief, Language Division

Captain Alex Stoica is responsible for developing language enabled Airmen and Guardians across the General-Purpose Force. He oversees the AFCLC language division operations, leads special projects, oversees outreach, and connects the division to utilization and force integration. As the senior military member of the AFCLC, he leads the enlisted team and advises the Director on matters affecting the military team. His portfolio focuses on the Language Enabled Airman Program and collaboration with other language communities. Captain Stoica has a combined 18 years of Air Force military experience as a missileer and prior enlisted and has been a LEAP Scholar since 2015.

Olin Goodhue - Chief, Education Support Division

Mr. Olin Goodhue is Chief of the AFCLC's Education Support Division. Mr. Goodhue is a retired Air Force officer who served as a rated aircrew member, flight instructor, subject matter expert, curriculum developer, budget planner/programmer and contingency planner. He holds a M.S. in General Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Goodhue's activities include operational oversight of Education Management Systems, Course Administration, Assessments, and Outreach.

Mary Newbern - Chief, Expeditionary Readiness Training Programs

Ms. Mary Newbern, Lt Col (Ret) USAF, is Chief of Expeditionary Readiness Training Programs within AFCLC's Region and Culture Division. Her job duties include researching, designing, developing, and managing courseware production and delivery activities for professional military education and expeditionary skills training venues. Ms. Newbern serves as Program Manager and editor-in-chief for the Air Force's Expeditionary Culture Field Guide (ECFG) development activities. She completed a 28-year active-duty career with the Air Force prior to assuming her current position. Hallmark positions included Commander, 31st Services Squadron and Executive officer, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB Italy; Chief of Intelligence, 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ramstein AB Germany; 86th Support Group and 86th Operations Group Executive Officer, 86th Fighter Wing, Ramstein AB Germany; and Intelligence Systems Program Manager, HQ USSOUTHCOM, Quarry Heights, Panama. Ms. Newbern was a career intelligence officer specializing in photographic reconnaissance. She holds a B.A. in English and Journalism, a M.A. in Human Resources Development, and a Graduate Certificate as an Instructional Systems Specialist.

Keith J. McCabe - Program Manager, Language Intensive Training Events

Mr. Keith McCabe is responsible for planning and executing LITEs for LEAP Scholars and other language communities across the Department of the Air Force. He oversees Language Development Coordinators and multiple vendors, providing course planning and scholar oversight functions. In this capacity he oversees upwards of 1,000 courses per year, spanning a multi-million-dollar budget. Mr. McCabe has spearheaded the development of LEAP-ACE and other innovative courses. Mr. McCabe is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with 32 years combined Air Force military and civilian experience in AFOSI, professional military education, and base morale programs. Mr. McCabe is an Air University Civilian of the Quarter, 2d Qtr. 2022 and AU SNCO of the Year 2010.   

BRIAN PICKETT – PROGRAM MANAGER, FOREIGN AREA OFFICER DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Brian Pickett is responsible for planning and executing in-region training and language area studies immersion sustainment for Foreign Area Officers. He collaborates directly with SAF/IAPA, AETC, and other support agencies responsible for the FAO development enterprise. Mr. Pickett leads FAO Development team members and multiple vendors providing daily support and guidance to FAOs. He also serves in various language program management roles supporting the LREC enterprise. Mr. Pickett is a retired Chief Master Sergeant with 42 years combined Air Force military and civilian experience in Air Force logistics and program management. 

JEFF ROBINSON – PROGRAM MANAGER, LEAP SELECTION AND UTILIZATION

Mr. Jeff “Fro” Robinson is responsible for planning and overseeing selection and utilization initiatives for the Language Enabled Airman Program. He leads the LEAP selection manager and Language Development Coordinators in execution of annual LEAP boards and facilitation of Training Partnership Requests which link LEAP Scholars to multi-national and bilateral exercises, mobile training, and conferences. Mr. Robinson is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with 25 years combined Air Force military and civilian experience in Air Force munitions and professional military education. Mr. Robinson is a 2-time annual USAFE Combat Armament Manager award recipient and 2019 Air Force Senior NCO Academy Instructor of the Year award winner.

AFCLC’s Culture/Region Division develops and delivers academically rigorous curriculum on areas of human interaction relevant to the needs of Airmen. The culture and region, PhD-credentialed faculty is recognized across the Department of Defense for expertise within culture and communication disciplines. They provide educational instruction, consultation services and research in the fields of cross-cultural competence, intercultural communication and global and regional topics.

 Faculty Bios

The U.S. Air Force has an enterprise approach to culture and language that involves Headquarters Air Force, Major Commands, direct reporting units and field operating agencies. The Air Force Culture and Language center supports these organizations under the leadership of the Air Force Language, Region and Culture program office. Other stakeholders are found throughout the Air Force, Department of Defense and internationally.