ASU and Goodfellow host first cultural fair

Goodfellow students talk with an Angelo State University student at the Korean culture booth during the Around the World International Cultural Fair at ASU in San Angelo, Texas, April 29, 2021. Some of the booths were run by native speakers of the specific region, allowing language students to converse in the language they are studying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Seraiah Wolf)

ASU and Goodfellow host first cultural fair

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason Sikora, 316th Training Squadron instructor, hands Airman 1st Class Devin Minnehan, 316th TRS student, his passport during the Around the World International Cultural fair at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, April 29, 2021. The passports were one of many items from the fair that students could take with them when finished touring the different culture booths. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Seraiah Wolf)

ASU and Goodfellow host first joint cultural fair

An Angelo State University student explains the significance of Vietnamese figurines to U.S. Air Force Col. James Finlayson, 17th Training Wing vice commander, at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, April 29, 2021. The Around the World International Cultural Fair allowed both Goodfellow members and ASU students to learn about different cultures. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Wolf)

ASU and Goodfellow host first joint cultural fair

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Roddy Red Horse, 17th Training Group noncommissioned officer in charge of physical security, showcases a traditional Native American headdress at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, April 29, 2021. During the Around the World International Cultural Fair, many cultures were highlighted and explained by volunteers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Seraiah Wolf)

ASU and Goodfellow host first joint cultural fair

U.S. Staff Sgt. John Brazell, 316th Training Squadron global language mentor, teaches a proper Chinese middle bow to Col. James Finlayson, 17th Training Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine, 17th TRW command chief, at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, April 29, 2021. During the Around the World International Cultural Fair, Goodfellow and ASU volunteers manned booths with various activities pertaining to a particular culture. (U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Seraiah Wolf)

ASU and Goodfellow host first joint cultural fair

Published May 3, 2021
By Staff Sgt. Seraiah Wolf
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

SAN ANGELO, Texas-- Together Goodfellow and Angelo State University members hosted the first cultural fair at ASU, April 29.

The Around the World International Cultural Fair was held to highlight various countries and cultures.

Susan Williams, ASU affiliated military and veteran services director, explained this is the first time ASU has partnered with the 17th Training Group to co-host their annual language enhancement conference.

“This collaboration allows the Department of Defense language students to interact with other international students and faculty to enhance their language skills while learning more about the culture and geography of the regions specific to those languages,” said Williams.

The event started with opening remarks from ASU President Ronnie D. Hawkins, retired general, and Col. James Finlayson, 17th Training Wing vice commander. They spoke about how ASU and Goodfellow already share a great relationship, and this event only builds upon it.

“This event showcased our staff of Cryptologic Language Analysts using our talents in specific languages to teach and mentor participants,” said Tech Sgt. Samuel Han, 316th Training Squadron instructor. “Global Language Mentors worked with ASU to create a platform to promote and enhance awareness of the various cultures, languages, and traditions within global studies.”

After the opening remarks, students from Goodfellow and ASU received passports, which guided them through numerous booths representing various countries and regions worldwide on campus. Participants were able to hear and speak with native speakers of the countries. Volunteers explained the country or region’s ethnic and cultural heritage through music, writing, food, games, and other aspects of their traditions and customs.

“This is a true ‘win-win’ situation for Goodfellow and ASU students,” said Williams. “We feel it will only grow in the years to come as the need to learn more about the world and its many cultures become more important.”

Goodfellow and Angelo State University members hosted the first Around the World International Cultural Fair together, here, at ASU in San Angelo, Texas, April 29.