AFROTC cadet wins Boren Award for Arabic studies Published April 25, 2016 By Phil Berube 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- An Air Force ROTC cadet at the University of Oklahoma won a nationally recognized award recently for his study of Arabic languages and culture that he hopes will help him to contribute solutions to problems in the Middle East. Cadet Jeremiah Cox received a 2016 Boren Awards for International Study scholarship, which provides up to $20,000 to undergraduates to study abroad in areas critical to national interests and that are underrepresented in study abroad programs. The award is named after OU President David Boren. "I had no idea I could compete on the level required to be selected," said the Oklahoma native. "I'm honored to be selected for the award." Cox is pursuing a dual major in Arabic languages and international security studies, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies. "One needs some knowledge of the language and culture of the area in order to contribute productively to any discussion or action involving the region," he said. The cadet travels to Morocco this summer to study for a year at the Arab American Language Institute and the Université Moulay Ismail. The immersion is the capstone year abroad for OU's Arabic Flagship program. In 2014 and 2015, Cox spent his summers studying in Jordan and Oman, respectively. These trips were funded by Project Global Officer, or Project GO, a Department of Defense program aimed at improving language skills, intercultural communication and regional expertise of future military officers. Following his year in Morocco, Cox will graduate and commission as a second lieutenant, bringing his extensive Arabic language skills and regional expertise to the Air Force. "I would like to contribute to solving problems in the Middle East from a military capacity," he said. "To be effective in doing so, I will use my Arabic language and culture skills to serve as a proactive piece of the puzzle in the Air Force's regional objectives." The cadet's commander at OU's AFROTC Detachment 675 is confident of Cox and his capabilities. "It is no coincidence that Jeremiah has been incredibly successful thus far," said Col. Bruce Smith. "The foundation for this success is his 'can do' attitude exuding to those around him, which ultimately makes everyone around him better."