Osan kicks off 2009 English Tutoring Program Published May 14, 2009 By Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- More than 25 Airmen from units at Osan Air Base met for the 2009 English Tutoring Program Unit Coordinator Dinner at the Officers Club here May 9. Also present at the dinner were teachers, vice principals, representatives from the Pyongtaek City and Kyonggi Provinces and members of the city government. The dinner afforded the Osan coordinators and school representatives a chance to learn about the program and to learn more about each other. "I thought the dinner was a great opportunity to meet with the representatives from the schools and see that they were so excited to have us come to their school," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Hargrafen, English Tutoring Program unit coordinator for the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron. "It really helps motivate you to give them the best program and get people involved." The English Tutoring Program allows for volunteers from Osan AB to teach English to Korean children in the third and fourth grade twice a month at their school. The volunteers along with Korean teaching assistants design classes to enhance the Korean students understanding of conversational English through lessons, classroom activities and exchanges of ideas. For some of the coordinators, the chance to make a positive impact made them very happy. "I am very honored to have the opportunity to teach the local Korean children English," said Staff Sgt. Bryon Baranski, 51st Communications Squadron. "Our school representative, Ms. Gye Hyuang Yoo, provided me with some great information on what to expect from the program during the dinner." "To me, this is my chance to show our host nation just how good an ambassador we can be for the United States Military," he added. In 2007, there were only five schools who participated in the tutoring program. Now, just two years later, the schools participation has doubled and there are currently more than 120 members from Team Osan who have signed up for the program. "The popularity of the English Tutoring Program has increased dramatically within the last two years," said Mr. Yong Hui Pak, 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office. "The students and the teachers have given us nothing but positive feedback about their experiences and it's no wonder why the program has become so successful." The objective of the English Tutoring Program is to not only strengthen the Republic of Korea and U.S. alliance by promoting good relations between the two countries, but it's also a chance for military members to give back to the community. "Last year my son joined our teaching group for the middle school Christmas party," said Maj. William Moore, 51st Medical Operations Squadron. "Later, he received a letter from one of the students who remarked that this would be a memory she would hold for the rest of her life and noted how deeply appreciative she was for our involvement." Major Moore went on to say that hearing this from the children of our host nation brings home how valuable our connection is and how significantly we can impact their lives in a positive way. He also said that he is looking forward to leaving a lasting legacy of goodwill from this short tour in Korea. Some of the English tutors volunteer as a means of giving back to the community. But for others, it's more than just volunteering, it's an opportunity to understand a different culture. "The tutoring program focuses on giving unprivileged kids face-to-face conversational English time that many of them would never have a chance to engage in because their families can't afford private English tutoring," said Senior Airman Jessica Roper, 303rd Intelligence Squadron. "At the same time, it gives U.S. military members the opportunity to interact with local Koreans on both a personal and professional level and really gain a unique perspective of the Korean culture." "During the 7-month program, you really become family with your adopted school--it's definitely a refreshing experience that provides a positive image of what we, as service members can give back to the community," she added. The 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office is always looking for volunteers to participate in this program. For those Team Osan members interested in becoming an English tutor or for just information on other Good Neighbor Programs, please contact the 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs offi ce at 784-4044.