Hundreds of international students are trained at Sheppard Air Force Base each year.   For many, this is their first time to the United States.  it's important to have help adjusting to this new way of life. That's where their Senior National Representative comes in.

There are nine Senior Representatives currently at Sheppard. While each come from very different backgrounds, they've all found common ground right here in Texoma and in making this their home, they're also making a difference in our community.

Senior National Representatives or S.N.R.s help students from their country with everything from flight training to culture shock. Norwegian Lieutenant Colonel Dag Simastuen has been stationed at Sheppard for two and half years. Serving in multiple operations overseas, He knows just how important international relations are.

"What we start with here to get to know different cultures and people from different nations is very important to future operations we're going to conduct. So it's very important what we do here," Simastuen said.

While the S.N.R.s are a vital part of the international community at Sheppard, what many may not realize is how much of an impact they're making in the Wichita Falls community. Local families, businesses and organizations sponsor each S.N.R. and all from their country.

"Father and Mother figures, security from people who know the community and can help us with whatever we need when we need it," Simastuen said.

Dee Ann Martin and her husband have been sponsoring the Dutch for more than 30 years.

"We've had our lives so enriched and our children's lives enriched. We've made lasting friendships that we treasure," Martin said.

Whether it's volunteering at the Humane Society, library or their child's booster club, Sheppard's international community is making Wichita Falls it's own.

"If I want to do a good job and my students to do a good job and the same for all other nations, it's important to be involved in the community and it gives you a wider horizon and get to know people and motivation goes up," Simastuen said.

While the Martins hope they're making a lasting impression, they know the time they've spent with Sheppard's international community is priceless.

"Being there to talk and visit with them is very important but we gain more from them than we give to them," Martin said.

Sheppard officials say over the next few years S.N.R.s from Belgium, Denmark and potentially Portugal will be joining the team.