LEAP scholar helps arrange historic visit by CSAF counterpart

A three-day visit by Argentina’s air force chief to U.S. military installations in May showcased how language expertise underpins high-level defense diplomacy, with Capt. Rafael Mata providing sole, real-time interpretation and cultural liaison support throughout the trip.

Hosted by U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and centered on deepening cooperation and advancing shared security priorities in the Western Hemisphere, the counterpart visit began May 19 and moved across Colorado, Utah, and Washington, D.C. Brig. Gen. Gustavo Valverde, chief of staff of the Argentine air force, met with senior U.S. military leaders on topics ranging from space operations to fighter modernization and air refueling.

Mata, a Language Enabled Airman Program scholar and foreign area officer fellowship student through the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution program, was the primary interpreter for Valverde. He drew on previous LEAP assignments to prepare for the pace and complexity of the agenda. “My most helpful LEAP experience has been my advanced special investigations in Colombia in 2016, and my prior experience translating for a Colombian general officer in a transnational conference,” Mata said. “I knew to expect a heavy tempo and lots of information. I prepared myself by translating and familiarizing with as much material as I could access prior to heading on the trip.”

The itinerary opened in Colorado with engagements at Peterson Space Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Academy, where Mata handled simultaneous interpretation during flights, headquarters-level briefings with U.S. Space Command, and technical discussions during campus tours. The delegation then shifted to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for in-depth talks on the F-16 program and visits to munitions facilities, F-35 units, and a KC-135R squadron, where he relayed operational needs and ongoing support discussions. Final stops in Washington, D.C., included senior meetings and ceremonial events, with Mata continuing as cultural liaison through the farewell dinner and gift exchange.

Program leaders said the language support was decisive. “Capt. Mata played a critical role during the recent counterpart visit hosted by U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach for the Argentine Air Force Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Gustavo Valverde,” said Col. Ernest Csoma, director of the F-16 program. “Serving as the personal interpreter for Brig. Gen. Valverde, Capt. Mata facilitated seamless, high-level defense dialogues regarding F-16 modernization, training and interoperability. Ultimately, Capt. Mata’s exceptional skill and diplomatic expertise strengthened bilateral defense cooperation across the western hemisphere.”

Col. Melissa Riddick, counterpart visits lead for the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, highlighted that Mata handled the mission without a backup. “Capt. Mata provided simultaneous interpretation (with no back up interpreter) for the Argentine air chief out-stops,” Riddick said. “He interpreted strategic discussions between Brig. Gen. Valverde and U.S. Space Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, and U.S. Northern Command leadership. He also interpreted the F-16 and air refueling asset discussions at Hill AFB. His efforts further enabled bilateral relations with this key partner.”

Maj. Karen Salvaggio, a country director in the Secretary of the Air Force’s International Affairs office, said the visit underscored the value of LEAP during sensitive, technical exchanges. “The LEAP scholars were a critical part of the success of the Argentine counterpart visit,” Salvaggio said. “The interpreters allowed complex strategic conversations to take place between the chief of staff of the Air Force, combatant commanders, and the air chief of our key partner in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.” She added: “Not only did their high technical proficiency enable the high-level conversations and information sharing, but they were also able to adapt to dynamic schedules and demands with ease and professionalism. Hands down, this trip would not have been able to achieve its many strategic objectives without the LEAP support.”

Mata, who is completing a master’s in international policy at Texas A&M University, called the assignment a capstone of years spent building language and regional expertise. “Being a student at Texas A&M has been a dream come true. The relations and friendships I make will last forever, and I will always be thankful to AFIT/CI for the opportunity,” said Mata. “Yet it was their continued support to develop me as a better FAO that led to this incredible opportunity to further advance relations between Argentina and the United States.”

AFIT leaders framed his performance as a model for how civilian schooling and language development align with operational needs. “Capt. Mata is the perfect example of the Airmen and Guardians that represent AFIT/CI and the Air University force development opportunities,” said Col. Walter Lesinski, director, AFIT Civilian Institution Programs. “His LEAP skills are clearly tied with his master’s degree in international policy with a regional focus on Latin America from Texas A&M Bush School and will be utilized in his future FAO assignments. This is just one way we develop some of the most capable and lethal warriors in the Department of the Air Force.”

Reflecting on his path from enlisted Airman to commissioned officer and FAO trainee, Mata added: “When I was accepted into LEAP 12 years ago as a young staff sergeant, I never thought I would have been able to see and learn from different cultures as much as I have thanks to them. I was able to commission, in part through their efforts, and now I get to fulfill my dreams as a FAO before I even complete my training pipeline.”

LEAP, a volunteer program open to most active-duty officer and enlisted career fields, develops language-enabled, cross-cultural Airmen and Guardians to support partnerships, interoperability, and strategic understanding. AFIT’s Civilian Institution Programs place selected personnel at accredited universities, hospitals, and industry to pursue advanced education aligned with Department of the Air Force requirements.