Photo By Chief Petty Officer Matthew Cole | AMMAN, Jordan (May 7, 2017) Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations and...... read more read more
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By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terrina Weatherspoon, Joint Public Affairs Support Element
“When I was a boy my father took me to watch Tarzan in the movie theater,” said “Dino” Dannawi, an Air Force interpreter. “That sparked a passion in me. Movies became my favorite hobby. You can learn so much from them.”
But when Dino headed to California, it wasn’t a life in front of the camera he was craving, but a life behind it. He attended California State University, Long Beach, with one goal, to turn his hobby into a career.
But the universe had a different role in mind for Dino. One as an interpreter for the U.S. Air Force.
“After attending California State University for four years, I graduated with a degree in film production and theory,” said Dino. I then began work as an editor for a small production company. The work was good, but very challenging because it wasn’t stable. I knew I needed to seek out other opportunities as well.”
Dino knew his skills in Arabic may come in handy. He spoke eight dialects and was familiar with the culture. He began to think that maybe he could parlay that into a job as a translator. After doing some research, he came upon an Air Force website talking about recruiting for the Military Assets Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program.
MAVNI is a program the Air Force uses to recruit people based on their cultural expertise and language skills.
“It was a long process,” said Dino. “You have to apply to it and prepare a package to send to Air Force headquarters. Then you have to interview. It is a very selective process. Out of hundreds, they only select about six each year. Lt. Col. Kelli Moon interviewed me and thought I was right for the job. Now it’s my responsibility to live up to the expectations she set for me and the values she instilled in me. I can’t thank her enough for this incredible opportunity.”
As a language and culture specialist with the Air Force, Dino is able to travel the world supporting units as they need him. Currently he is in Jordan as part of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron supporting their efforts during Eager Lion 2017.
Exercise Eager Lion is hosted by the Jordanian armed forces in partnership with the U.S. military. It is the largest annual exercise in he Middle East in which the United States participates.
As one of the youngest members of the team in both age and service, he serves in one of the most respected and important capacities.
“I understand interpreting and translating can be a difficult task,” said Dino. “It requires lots of trust and confidence on both ends. But to be honest, I’m not finding it hard at all. It is really fun. I’m really fortunate to be with this unit. They do lots of cool stuff, so I never take this opportunity for granted. The key is to be comfortable with who you’re with, both in regard to the American teams and the teams in whatever country you are visiting. In this case, it is the Jordanians. Both of these teams have made me very comfortable, and I have been able to translate with ease.”
It doesn’t hurt that Dino is a people person.
“He’s super friendly and all smiles,” said Air Force Capt. Cory Henderson, a physician assistant with the squad. “He seems to get along with everybody. I see him chatting with people all the time.”
“I think my personality definitely helps me with the job,” agreed Dino. “I’m a very social person. Lot’s of people when they first meet me tell me that it feels like they’ve known me forever. This job also requires you to have good public speaking and communication skills. You can’t be afraid to talk to a large crowd.”
And that’s exactly what Dino has spent a large part of his time in Jordan doing. Whether he is interpreting medical training, translating an important brief, or making sure a Jordanian unit understands the safety procedures for a fast-roping exercise, he has to be clear, concise and accurate, without hesitation.
“You’ll be sitting at the table between leaders,” said Dino. “You’ll be doing briefings in front of big crowds. You cannot get nervous in that situation. You have to be confident. The team is putting their trust in you.”
Having an interpreter has helped the team break barriers during this exercise. Having someone who knows both cultures and is able to communicate directly is extremely valuable.
“Whether it’s navigating around the town, or if there is problems with the camp, he is able to speak to people directly,” said Henderson. “He definitely helps with the speed of operations, with the interpretation of complicated movements and even just haggling at the market … it is definitely a benefit to have him here.”
At this point, Dino is not sure what the future holds. The MAVNI program is only a four-year enlistment, with no opportunities to extend. So Dino is just taking it one day at a time and relishing every opportunity.
“I really don’t know exactly what I’m going to do,” said Dino. “Maybe go back to California and enjoy the city. Spend time with my family. I owe so much to them for supporting me. I still have lots of fuel in me, so we will see what life holds.”
For now, he will focus on his mission in Jordan, his work for the squadron and his new hobby, ping pong.
“He is also a rockstar at ping pong,” said Henderson. But I will beat him eventually.”
Dino is not quite sure how to interpret that message, but responded anyway.
“He can try.”
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2017 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 234022 |
| Location: | AMMAN, JO |
| Web Views: | 434 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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