The International Friendship Committee was established to build meaningful, lasting relationships between the German contingent of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard Air Force Base and the Wichita Falls community. Through shared events and cultural exchanges, we celebrate the traditions and customs of both our countries while fostering genuine connections.

This committee has three co-chairs who serve staggering terms. Each co-chair takes primary responsibility for one of our activities and then coordinates planning meetings throughout the year.

Annual events include:

• German-sponsored Oktoberfest, where we enjoy authentic cuisine, traditional music, and vibrant hospitality
• League-hosted American Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, trimmings, and football
• German-sponsored Bossel-Tour (Road Bowling), where we compete to roll a ball down a dirt road in as few throws as possible
• League-hosted family barbeque filled with fun and games for all ages

While our activities are festive and fun, the friendships run deeper. We share life’s big and small moments, celebrating births, graduations, promotions, and, at times, supporting one another through illness or grief. These shared human experiences bridge cultures and deepen bonds. It is not uncommon for IFC members to visit their German friends when traveling overseas years later!

Each country’s sponsor is recognized at pilot graduations and NATO events, and though our committee may be small, the Junior League of Wichita Falls is regularly acknowledged at Sheppard Air Force Base for our role in this important partnership. The student pilots and instructors we support today are tomorrow’s NATO air force leaders.

Serving on the International Friendship Committee is both an honor and a privilege. Members of this committee proudly represent the League, our city, and our nation. It’s a meaningful responsibility, and a truly unforgettable experience.