Walter H. Ward - Director
Mr. Walter H. (Howard) Ward, Jr. is the Director of the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) at Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL. The AFCLC is a team of 50 military, federal civilian, and contract personnel that support the application of airpower by enabling seamless operation with many air forces using culture, regional expertise, and language education and training. The AFCLC develops officer and enlisted Airmen proficient in language, culture and negotiation competencies covering 95 languages through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP). The AFCLC also reaches over 210,000 Airmen per year through online training, Community College of the Air Force-accredited courses, officer professional military education, General Officer pre-deployment training, media operations, and expeditionary culture field guides. Mr. Ward is a retired Colonel and Master Navigator with over 4,400 hrs. in KC-135A/R/RT, C-130E/H1/H2/H3/J. His most recent operational assignment was Commander, 317th Airlift Group, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. He commanded six squadrons, consisting of 1,200 aviators, maintenance professionals and support personnel, and 28 C-130J aircraft engaged in worldwide combat aerial delivery operations.
Chris Chesser - Deputy Director
Mr. Chris Chesser is responsible for developing language enabled Airmen and Guardians across the General-Purpose Force. He oversees the AFCLC language division team, leads course development, develops systems requirements, and manages financial resources. His portfolio encompasses the Language Enabled Airman Program, Foreign Area Officer in-region training and sustainment, and collaboration with other language communities. Mr. Chesser has 26 years combined Air Force military and civilian experience in force support, professional military education, and instructional design. Mr. Chesser is four-time MAJCOM annual award recipient and is recipient of the 2020 AETC International Affairs Excellence Award.