International military student office best in the Air Force.(FEATURE ARTICLES)

They come from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to learn to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Arizona Air National Guard, and Guardsmen here serve as their wingmen in more ways than one. When flying over the military training ranges of southern Arizona, i9ternational student pilots have experienced instructors to guide them; but back on the ground they need help with housing, transportation, documentation, and adapting to American culture. That is where the 162nd Fighter Wing's award-winning international military student office (IMSO) takes charge.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The wing's seven-member IMSO staff recently took home the 2007 IMSO Team of the Year award in the small activities category for their superior service out of 24 IMSOs Air Force-wide.

The Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) presented the award to Major Donna Wolslagel, the wing IMSO officer, August 5th during the annual IMSO conference held at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The small activities category includes all offices supporting less than 200 international students annually.

 
   We have never won this award before, said Major Wolslagel, a 
   nine-year IMSO veteran. So to us it is a wonderful recognition of 
   all that has gone into building this program over the years and 
   ultimately the service we have provided to our international 
   students. 

The 162nd Fighter Wing International Military Student Office brings home the 2007 IMSO Team of the Year trophy. The office staff, Lieutenant Colonel Donna Rinehart, Major Donna Wolslagel, Senior Master Sargent Teresa Campbell, Master Sargent Deb Alegria, Master Sergeant Marnie Neve, Tech. Sargent Amie Howell, and Airman First Class Jonathan Jackson, worked around the clock to ensure a smooth training experience for international student pilots last year.

IMSO supports about 100 student pilots per year ensuring on-time and complete training. The staff oversees the wing's compliance with all international training requirements. They provide cultural education to wing members before they come into contact with foreign students. They coordinate official visits from international leaders. They are on call 24/7 for any emergency situations involving their students.