AF selects six for Olmsted Scholar Program Published March 24, 2015 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Six Air Force officers have been selected to participate in the Olmsted Scholar Program, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, the Air Force Personnel Center announced today. The program offers Air Force line officers an opportunity to study in a foreign language at an international university. Participants will experience cultural immersion in a selected country, including university study in the native language, said Maj. Yulanda Bogany, AFPC developmental education branch chief. Officers selected by the foundation will spend up to one year in language proficiency training at the Defense Language Institute, if required, and will then complete two years of study in a foreign graduate program, she said. The Olmsted Foundation uses the scholarship program to offer outstanding young military leaders with an opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university and develop understanding of foreign cultures. Officers from every military branch may apply for the program, which helps to equip graduates for increasing leadership responsibility and opportunities. Class of 2016 Olmsted scholars include Captains Kira Coffey, Edward Francis, Matthew Hammerle and Patrick Parrish, and Majors Michal Polidor and Nicola Polidor. For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one at www.retirees.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120510-068.pdf.