MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — Military partnerships are built on more than shared objectives; they’re built on communication. During Eagle Partner 2026, Staff Sgt. Ani Abrahamyan helped bridge language and cultural differences among partner nations, strengthening cooperation throughout the multinational peacekeeping exercise.
Selected as one of only three U.S. service members of Armenian descent to support the exercise as a linguist, Abrahamyan interpreted for U.S. and partner nation forces, facilitating communication between senior leaders and multinational participants throughout the exercise.
Fluent in Armenian, Russian and English, with working knowledge of French, she helped ensure language never became a barrier to mission success.
Her responsibilities extended beyond interpreting. During Kansas Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Jason L. Knobbe’s visit to Zar Training Area, Abrahamyan interpreted throughout the official site visit, helping ensure clear communication between senior leaders and partner forces. Her contributions were later recognized with a commander’s coin from Knobbe.
Abrahamyan also met with U.S. Defense Attaché Col. Matthew Crowe and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Allen, where she shared her journey into military service and discussed how bilingual Citizen Airmen help strengthen relationships between the United States and its international partners.
Her contributions were further recognized with the Kansas Army National Guard State Partnership Ribbon and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon for supporting the multinational exercise and the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
Eagle Partner 2026 wasn’t Abrahamyan’s first opportunity to support the mission. She first participated in Eagle Partner 2025, a bilateral exercise between the Kansas Army National Guard and the Armenian Peacekeeping Brigade.
Her dedication during the exercise earned her a commander’s coin from Brig. Gen. Carlin G. Williams, laying the foundation for her return the following year as the exercise expanded to include additional allied nations.
Reflecting on her experiences, Abrahamyan encourages fellow Airmen to remain ready for opportunities beyond their primary responsibilities.
“When you’re consistently prepared and proficient in your primary duties, your leadership has the confidence to support you for unique missions like this,” Abrahamyan said. “When opportunity knocks, step up to the challenge and trust your training. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.”
For Abrahamyan, every conversation represented more than a translation—it strengthened trust between allies, reinforced international partnerships and advanced a shared commitment to peacekeeping.
By connecting people across languages and cultures, she helped transform communication into cooperation, demonstrating how the unique talents of Citizen Airmen strengthen partnerships and advance the mission around the world.
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