A New Instructor at Thunder Lab

AFGHANISTAN

02.28.2011

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker 

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

AFGHANISTAN - When 1st Lt. Alexandra Mann moved from her job at Camp Eggers, where she was the executive officer, to the chief of staff to becoming a full-time advisor at the Afghan air force’s English immersion lab known as the “Thunder Lab” on Feb. 10, she didn’t know the impact it would have on her life.

While she has only been advising at the Thunder Lab for two weeks, she has been making a difference helping prepare the Afghan female lieutenants get ready for advanced training in the U.S.

“I advise the female lieutenants full time by helping them with their English skills. I help them with their vocabulary, comprehension and every day conversation skills. My other duty is helping them with their officer development and professionalism,” said Mann.

Mann said that even though she has been at the Thunder Lab for only two weeks, it has been a great experience for her to work with the female lieutenants.

“These are a great group of women to work with. Being able to see them develop has been amazing. Seeing their growth has been my highlight here. I know two weeks seems like a small period of time, but I have seen them develop,” said Mann.

She said that in her four weeks remaining at the Thunder lab, she will focus the training on their professionalism development and personal goals.

“Most of them have gotten their English to a higher level. Now it’s about instilling in them what they need to do to become more professional. Once they get out of here, they are going to be in charge, and they are going to have to step up. There is not always going to be someone around for them to lean on for help. It’s going to be them in charge and it’s going to be them that their airman look up to,” said Mann.

While Mann has helped to improve the female lieutenants' English and officer professionalism, she enjoys their company and understands their importance to the Afghan military.

“Historically, they are a milestone for the Afghan military because they are the first female class to come out of officer candidate school. This is a big step and they know this as well. I am just glad that I had the chance to help them and get them to where they need to be,” said Mann.

While her time at the Thunder Lab has been short, she has made a difference in the lives of Afghan lieutenants and they have definitely made an impression on hers.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2011
• Date Posted: 02.28.2011 02:33
• Story ID: 66192
• Location: AF