Australian War College embraces overseas colleagues

The Australian War College held its annual International Day in Weston Creek, celebrating the vast range of cultures from allies and partners who study at the college.

CAPTION: Students of the Australian War College from the US Military celebrate International Day in Weston Creek, ACT. Story and photos by Major Taylor Lynch.

A combination of traditional food, cultural dress, music, dancing and other customs from all over the world were shared with more than 1300 friends, families, students and staff of the college.

US Marine Corps Major Josh Winters explained what the US stand had to offer as part of the event.

“We put together a Country Boil, it’s got what you guys call prawns, as well as potatoes, corn, a bit of butter and salt, then a little more butter and salt, served up with cornbread and coleslaw, then more butter and salt,” Major Winters said.

CAPTION: Australian Public Servant Alison Collins-Gallagher, Vietnamese Army Major Manh Van Dao and Captain Trang Do at the Vietnam stand.

“We’re having a great time, it’s fun for us to be able to do something distinctly American.”

Major Winters said his experience studying at the Australian War College had been a refreshing change.

CAPTION: Australian Army Major Jack Bagwill and Jordanian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Laith Ababneh at the Jordan stand.

“The US has a large military that’s in the news so much, so it’s easy for us to walk into international partnerships and do things our way,” he said.

“But we’re excited for the opportunity to see different ways of doing business. It develops our partnerships and strategic empathy and helps us to be better allies in the future.”

Royal Jordanian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Laith Abaneh emphasised many similarities between the Australian and Jordanian militaries, and was happy to share his culture with his peers.

CAPTION: German Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Sonnenschein and his family at the Germany stand.

“We brought plenty of food as always, we are well known for our hospitality,” Lieutenant Colonel Abaneh said.

“All our mates from Australia are friendly and they know a lot about Jordan, and about Jordanian culture itself.

“Jordanians and Australians are very alike, we are learning from each other and enjoying each other’s hospitality. It’s been a nice, mutual learning experience.”

CAPTION: Family members of students at the Australian War College from the Indonesian Armed Forces at the Indonesia stand.

Vietnamese Army Captain Trang Do was also grateful for the opportunity to share parts of her culture, especially her cooking, with peers as part of International Day.

“Today we provided spring rolls, beef with vegetables, and some juices, which is very typical Vietnamese cuisine,” Captain Do said.

CAPTION: Students and family members of the Australian War College from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“It’s wonderful because we spend one year here at Staff College, we learn a lot from Australia and have been involved in your celebrations like Anzac Day, so this is a good chance for our Australian colleagues to know more about Vietnam.”

Captain Do explained why building relationships with partners such as Australia was so important to Vietnam.

CAPTION: Students of the Australian War College at the United Arab Emirates stand.

“In Vietnam we’ve experienced a lot of pain throughout our history, but now we have peace, we have a lot of great friends, and Australia is one of our greatest friends as one of our 10 strategic partners,” she said.

“The Vietnamese are very resilient, no matter what we have, we can achieve whatever we need to if we believe it.

“Australia holds a key role in Vietnam’s strategic relationships, and we believe Australia can also achieve great things.

“Australia is the lucky country; you are kind-hearted people, the friendly people, and you are stronger than you think.”

CAPTION: Students and family members of the Australian War College from the PNG Defence Force perform a cultural dance.

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