Goodfellow | Into the Tower of Babel

Published April 27, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Goodfellow and Angelo State University came together for the fourth annual Language and Culture Fair in San Angelo, Texas, April 27th, 2023.

“What today highlights is how important our global relationships and cultural partnerships are for the good of all people,” said Col. Jason Kulchar, 17th Training Group commander.

The fair is used as a way for linguists at Goodfellow to broaden and exercise their skills at booths featuring languages and countries from around the world. Each booth featured interactive elements for visitors to learn about the cultures and languages found across the globe.

“The culture fair is one example of how we partner with ASU” said Kulchar. “We are incredibly thankful for our partnerships. These partnerships make our entire community better”

Into the Tower of Babel

A 17th Training Wing member completes a Vietnamese word search at Angelo State University and Goodfellow Air Force Base International Language and Culture Fair in San Angelo, Texas, April 27, 2023. The attendees learned about different languages and they experienced different cultures from where that language was spoken. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

The Language and Culture Fair provides both students of ASU and the 17th Training Wing to understand the global picture.

“By attending this fair students have the opportunity to learn how various cultures around the world impact our lives,” said Dr. Clifton Jones, ASU Vice Provost. “And how these different cultures influence the world in which we live.”

Into the Tower of Babel

U.S. Army Pfc. Carlos Vizcarrondo, 316th Training Squadron student, wears traditional clothing from the South Korean Language and Culture booth at the Angelo State University and Goodfellow Air Force Base Language and Culture Fair in San Angelo, Texas, April 27, 2023. The fair is designed to allow both GAFB students and ASU students to explore and celebrate linguistic and cultural differences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

Into the Tower of Babel

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sabrina Heiderscheit, 316th Training Squadron student, holds a paper fan with her name written in Korean at the Angelo State University and Goodfellow Air Force Base Language and Culture Fair in San Angelo, Texas, April 27, 2023. This is the fourth annual GAFB International Language and Culture Fair and the third annual coordination with ASU. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

The event served not only as a cultural exchange but also as a training opportunity for linguists at Goodfellow. The fair enabled them to exercise and enhance their language skills, which is essential for their roles in national defense and security.

“In today’s global marketplace, a better understanding of other languages and cultures is critical if we are to effectively communicate, compete and understand people of other countries,” said Jones.

Into the Tower of Babel

Students assigned to the 17th Training Group and Angelo State University students wait in line for food at the ASU and Goodfellow Air Force Base Language and Culture Fair, San Angelo, Texas, April 27, 2023. This year's fair was titled “Tastes and Traditions.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

Into the Tower of Babel

Members of the 17th Training Wing play word games using the Cyrillic alphabet at Angelo State University and Goodfellow Air Force Base Language and Culture Fair in San Angelo, Texas, April 27, 2023. The attendees learned about different languages and were able to experience different cultures from where that language was spoken. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)