Got to See Much More than Thai Curry!

Sa WAT DEE KHRAP (hello) from Thailand!

The Maine thing is.....

Indenpendence Day presentation JT and Andrew!

Bless your heart Andrew!



Much more than just Thai flavor!



American Muscle!

Ben spreading the IU cheer!

Nick mesmerizing with video of CTLT

Kornblutt describing Boston  

The magic of Stevie Liu

Heads upTara!

The Major- making it all happen!

I came on this trip to get a glimpse into Thailand and enjoy its oriental flavors, sights, and tastes. Being the English instructor-the only civilian in this group, my mission was to help our American cadets to teach the Thai cadets some English.  But since the past few weeks the best I can do is to get out of their way. Not only am I enjoying the Thai experience, but also am enjoying this privileged look at the character of our military. It certainly is not STRIPES nor is it OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN. Behind the ACUs and Class Bs I see our cadets as good natured, regular kids trying to do the right thing in the best way that they can. They come from all corners of the States, from CA to Maine, from PA to Florida, and from MA to Indiana. I confess I had my apprehensions about how they would interact with the Thai cadets, and about how they would assume the role of teacher. But amazingly, they have truly crossed borders and reached out in the only way they can - open-heartedly without pretensions and reservations. Every time a cadet smiles at his/her Facebook page to add another Thai cadet to their long list of “friends”, I see how bonds are being forged which will last a lifetime. It is not a coincidence that Deschenes has found his home away from home on a Thai rugby field, and Winnie in a Thai Gym, Slininger, Ben and Steve in running mates, and I am sure that Kelsey and Tara have their secret admirers too.

They have never complained about repeating again and again (for the 25^th time in a week) the same speil  about their schools, their families, their interests, and their army, to the continuous groups of wide-eyed Thai cadets who ask the same questions again and again. Special mention must be made about Andrew who has gladly, and with continued enthusiasm repeated the story of his experiences with Air Assault.  Like pro teachers, these cadets know when to change the pace of the class, when the conversation is working, and to start a game or a different activity when it isn’t. They come to me and give me feedback about what I have instinctively felt. I am indeed impressed because even if they don’t know it, they are completing an important mission- one of making a good impression that will last for a long time. They are winning the battle of hearts and minds!

Nihal Khote
English Instructor