Cultural exchange strengthens US, Thailand, Singpore relations

Each year, exercise Cope Tiger's community outreach programs enable Airmen from the three countries to strengthen ties with the local community.

"These community outreach visits are a great way for our Airmen to experience local culture, see the positive effect we can have during these exercises, and the kids get to practice their English while we get to learn Thai," said Maj. Greg Richert, Chief of Aerospace Medicine at 13th Air Force, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and medical lead for Exercise Cope Tiger 2011.

Students of the school delighted in teaching the Airmen words and numbers in Thai and also performed impromptu performances of Thailand's national anthem. For Master Sgt. Chris Lim, Communication and Information supervisor for Cope Tiger 2011, the interaction with the young students will always be remembered.

"The girls were so eager to teach us new words. They made sure we pronounced the words properly and it was a lot of fun," said the sergeant. "Interactions like this one today is just one of the many ways in which we try to build stronger friendships with the local community and our exercise partners."

Captains Adam Gaudinski and Tyler March, F-15 pilots with the 44th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, learned to write numbers in Thai and Arabic and were able to successfully play hangman, tic-tac-toe, and rock-paper-scissors with their group of girls.