HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A multilingual 66th Comptroller Squadron noncommissioned officer recently joined the Air Force Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP, which provides opportunities for Airmen to support military partnerships worldwide.
Tech. Sgt. Krizelle Leira Bermejo, who speaks Ilocano, a dialect from the northern Philippines, and Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines, sees LEAP as a vital tool for strengthening partnerships.
“I first learned about LEAP during assignments in Korea and Japan,” said Bermejo. “What drew me to the program were the opportunities to work alongside partner militaries.”
To further promote LEAP at Hanscom AFB, Bermejo recently launched a networking group for participants and prospective applicants.
“At our first meeting, we had 10 in-person attendees and two virtual participants,” she said. “It’s a chance to share experiences, mentor new applicants, and grow awareness of this program.”
Participants of the program complete virtual language mentorships and in-country training events, which involve cultural immersion and direct engagement with local communities.
“Language and cultural understanding allow us to connect more easily with other nations, build alliances, and support humanitarian or military exercises,” said Bermejo.
These experiences contribute to Great Power Competition, including humanitarian missions and joint military exercises.
Since her acceptance in October, Bermejo has participated in mentorship programs while preparing for future immersion opportunities.
“The program ensures that we’re ready to support our allies and strengthen relationships with partner nation across the globe,” Bermejo said. “It’s an honor to contribute to something so impactful.”
Applications for LEAP are accepted annually, offering eligible Airmen the chance to enhance their careers while advancing the Air Force’s global mission.
Managed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center, LEAP is a volunteer program open to active duty officers and enlisted Airmen in most career fields.
To learn more about LEAP, visit https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/Language-Studies/ or contact Bermejo at krizelle_leira.bermejo.1@us.af.mil, Tech. Sgt. Sun Ming Son at sungmin.son.mil@health.mil or Tech. Sgt. Tom Whited at tom.whited@us.af.mil.