PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Hiro Chang, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The 2016 Language Day event was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 13. Language Day is open to the public and is attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world.

Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The 2016 Language Day event was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 13. Language Day is open to the public and is attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world.

Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

I think some selections are beer and some are soft drinks?

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s most colorful day of the year came May 8 as the Presidio opened its doors and welcomed a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 during its 31st hosting of Language Day. Attendees were treated to a diversity of songs, skits, dances, classroom demonstrations as well as food and wares that represented the cultures of 23 languages studied here at the military’s preeminent language training facility. Also in attendance were 54 combat veterans of the Vietnam War, honored guests during a “Welcome Home” ceremony led by Col. Paul Fellinger, Presidio of Monterey garrison commander, and Dan Presser, Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee member, in commemoration of the war’s 50th anniversary.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2017 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 12. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

The event featured a Vietnam War veterans recognition ceremony. Vietnam War lapel pins authorized by Congress were individually presented by POM Garrison Commander Col. Lawrence Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Marshall to approximately 75 Vietnam War veterans in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the POM Chapel, Dec. 3. DLIFLC Commandant Col. Phillip Deppert presided over the event. The ceremony included musical performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Choir and Jazz Ensemble as well as a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a POM Fire Department engine. Two receptions were held after the lighting, one for families at the Chapel Annex and a Leader's Reception inside the Weckerling Center.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Foxtrot Company, 229th Military Intelligence Bn., brought the SPCA of Monterey County "Hug a Pet" team and a hot dog lunch to Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center students and staff at the to Presidio of Monterey's Hilltop Track Nov. 9, 2016. Three dogs adopted from the shelter, two certified therapy dogs, and Pfc. Lingo - the school's mascot - spread "puppy love" to raise morale for service members, many of whom live in the barracks where they are not allowed to care for pets while completing military language training at the school. DoD photo by Catherine Caruso, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the POM Chapel, Dec. 3. DLIFLC Commandant Col. Phillip Deppert presided over the event. The ceremony included musical performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Choir and Jazz Ensemble as well as a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a POM Fire Department engine. Two receptions were held after the lighting, one for families at the Chapel Annex and a Leader's Reception inside the Weckerling Center.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s most colorful day of the year came May 8 as the Presidio opened its doors and welcomed a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 during its 31st hosting of Language Day. Attendees were treated to a diversity of songs, skits, dances, classroom demonstrations as well as food and wares that represented the cultures of 23 languages studied here at the military’s preeminent language training facility. Also in attendance were 54 combat veterans of the Vietnam War, honored guests during a “Welcome Home” ceremony led by Col. Paul Fellinger, Presidio of Monterey garrison commander, and Dan Presser, Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee member, in commemoration of the war’s 50th anniversary.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- Lt. Col. Jude C. Shell received command of the Marine Detachment Presidio of Monterey from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Rodrick H. McHaty during a change of command ceremony held at Presidio's Hilltop Field, June 30. Col. Harold B. Eggers, commanding officer Marine Corps Communication Electronics School, was the officiating officer for the ceremony. Shell's most recent previous assignment was International Affairs Program Manager at Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, VA.

As one of his last acts as MARDET Monterey commander, McHaty performed a promotion ceremony for MARDET Monterey Ops Chief Gunnery Sgt. Oliver B. Schierer.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- Lt. Col. Jude C. Shell received command of the Marine Detachment Presidio of Monterey from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Rodrick H. McHaty during a change of command ceremony held at Presidio's Hilltop Field, June 30. Col. Harold B. Eggers, commanding officer Marine Corps Communication Electronics School, was the officiating officer for the ceremony. Shell's most recent previous assignment was International Affairs Program Manager at Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, VA.

As one of his last acts as MARDET Monterey commander, McHaty performed a promotion ceremony for MARDET Monterey Ops Chief Gunnery Sgt. Oliver B. Schierer.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2017 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 12. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

The event featured a Vietnam War veterans recognition ceremony. Vietnam War lapel pins authorized by Congress were individually presented by POM Garrison Commander Col. Lawrence Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Marshall to approximately 75 Vietnam War veterans in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the POM Chapel, Dec. 3. DLIFLC Commandant Col. Phillip Deppert presided over the event. The ceremony included musical performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Choir and Jazz Ensemble as well as a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a POM Fire Department engine. Two receptions were held after the lighting, one for families at the Chapel Annex and a Leader's Reception inside the Weckerling Center.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. - Service members from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center once again led the parade at the 54th Annual Good Old Days, held in Pacific Grove on April 9-10. Monterey County’s largest arts and crafts show, Good Old Days featured over 225 art and food vendors in downtown Pacific Grove, live entertainment, old-fashioned games and contests, as well as the parade. An estimated 30,000 people attend the 2-day event making it Pacific Grove's largest attraction of the year.

PHOTO by Steven Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the POM Chapel, Dec. 3. DLIFLC Commandant Col. Phillip Deppert presided over the event. The ceremony included musical performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Choir and Jazz Ensemble as well as a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a POM Fire Department engine. Two receptions were held after the lighting, one for families at the Chapel Annex and a Leader's Reception inside the Weckerling Center.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- Lt. Col. Jude C. Shell received command of the Marine Detachment Presidio of Monterey from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Rodrick H. McHaty during a change of command ceremony held at Presidio's Hilltop Field, June 30. Col. Harold B. Eggers, commanding officer Marine Corps Communication Electronics School, was the officiating officer for the ceremony. Shell's most recent previous assignment was International Affairs Program Manager at Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, VA.

As one of his last acts as MARDET Monterey commander, McHaty performed a promotion ceremony for MARDET Monterey Ops Chief Gunnery Sgt. Oliver B. Schierer.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Foxtrot Company, 229th Military Intelligence Bn., brought the SPCA of Monterey County "Hug a Pet" team and a hot dog lunch to Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center students and staff at the to Presidio of Monterey's Hilltop Track Nov. 9, 2016. Three dogs adopted from the shelter, two certified therapy dogs, and Pfc. Lingo - the school's mascot - spread "puppy love" to raise morale for service members, many of whom live in the barracks where they are not allowed to care for pets while completing military language training at the school. DoD photo by Catherine Caruso, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The 2016 Language Day event was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 13. Language Day is open to the public and is attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world.

Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Foxtrot Company, 229th Military Intelligence Bn., brought the SPCA of Monterey County "Hug a Pet" team and a hot dog lunch to Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center students and staff at the to Presidio of Monterey's Hilltop Track Nov. 9, 2016. Three dogs adopted from the shelter, two certified therapy dogs, and Pfc. Lingo - the school's mascot - spread "puppy love" to raise morale for service members, many of whom live in the barracks where they are not allowed to care for pets while completing military language training at the school. DoD photo by Catherine Caruso, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2017 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 12. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

The event featured a Vietnam War veterans recognition ceremony. Vietnam War lapel pins authorized by Congress were individually presented by POM Garrison Commander Col. Lawrence Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Marshall to approximately 75 Vietnam War veterans in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2017 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 12. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

The event featured a Vietnam War veterans recognition ceremony. Vietnam War lapel pins authorized by Congress were individually presented by POM Garrison Commander Col. Lawrence Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Marshall to approximately 75 Vietnam War veterans in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Joseph Kumzak, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center celebrated the upcoming Memorial Day with a ceremony on Presidio’s Soldier Field May 21. The ceremony included a solemn invocation by the Chaplain, a 21-gun salute rendered to fallen service members, firing of the ceremonial cannon, performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Student Choir, and unveiling of the Dedication Plaque in honor of DLIFLC graduates killed in action during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Special honors were given to Spc. Christopher A. Landis, whose name was added to the Dedication Plaque this year. Landis died February 2014 in Afghanistan from wounds caused by a rocket-propelled grenade while conducting operations in the Kapisa province. Landis enlisted as a cryptologic linguist in the Army in March 2011 and was a DLIFLC Arabic language graduate. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. when he lost his life in service to his country.

Following the ceremony, the Presidio Garrison hosted a special reception event for Gold Star Families who were in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s most colorful day of the year came May 8 as the Presidio opened its doors and welcomed a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 during its 31st hosting of Language Day. Attendees were treated to a diversity of songs, skits, dances, classroom demonstrations as well as food and wares that represented the cultures of 23 languages studied here at the military’s preeminent language training facility. Also in attendance were 54 combat veterans of the Vietnam War, honored guests during a “Welcome Home” ceremony led by Col. Paul Fellinger, Presidio of Monterey garrison commander, and Dan Presser, Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee member, in commemoration of the war’s 50th anniversary.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The 2016 Language Day event was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 13. Language Day is open to the public and is attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world.

Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the POM Chapel, Dec. 3. DLIFLC Commandant Col. Phillip Deppert presided over the event. The ceremony included musical performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Choir and Jazz Ensemble as well as a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a POM Fire Department engine. Two receptions were held after the lighting, one for families at the Chapel Annex and a Leader's Reception inside the Weckerling Center.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

World Langauges and Cultures faculty on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois on September 25, 2019. (Jay Grabiec)

Foxtrot Company, 229th Military Intelligence Bn., brought the SPCA of Monterey County "Hug a Pet" team and a hot dog lunch to Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center students and staff at the to Presidio of Monterey's Hilltop Track Nov. 9, 2016. Three dogs adopted from the shelter, two certified therapy dogs, and Pfc. Lingo - the school's mascot - spread "puppy love" to raise morale for service members, many of whom live in the barracks where they are not allowed to care for pets while completing military language training at the school. DoD photo by Catherine Caruso, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2018 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 11. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools across the nation to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 6,000 people attended this annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center celebrated the upcoming Memorial Day with a ceremony on Presidio’s Soldier Field May 21. The ceremony included a solemn invocation by the Chaplain, a 21-gun salute rendered to fallen service members, firing of the ceremonial cannon, performances by the DLIFLC Joint Service Student Choir, and unveiling of the Dedication Plaque in honor of DLIFLC graduates killed in action during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Special honors were given to Spc. Christopher A. Landis, whose name was added to the Dedication Plaque this year. Landis died February 2014 in Afghanistan from wounds caused by a rocket-propelled grenade while conducting operations in the Kapisa province. Landis enlisted as a cryptologic linguist in the Army in March 2011 and was a DLIFLC Arabic language graduate. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. when he lost his life in service to his country.

Following the ceremony, the Presidio Garrison hosted a special reception event for Gold Star Families who were in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - For the first time in more than a decade, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center opened its doors to the local community for its annual Language Day celebration.

Held May 11, on the open grounds of historic Soldier Field and surrounding classrooms, Language Day was a colorful celebration of foreign languages and cultural education highlighting the 26 different languages taught to military personnel at the Presidio of Monterey.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s most colorful day of the year came May 8 as the Presidio opened its doors and welcomed a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 during its 31st hosting of Language Day. Attendees were treated to a diversity of songs, skits, dances, classroom demonstrations as well as food and wares that represented the cultures of 23 languages studied here at the military’s preeminent language training facility. Also in attendance were 54 combat veterans of the Vietnam War, honored guests during a “Welcome Home” ceremony led by Col. Paul Fellinger, Presidio of Monterey garrison commander, and Dan Presser, Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee member, in commemoration of the war’s 50th anniversary.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- The 2017 Language Day celebration was held by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, May 12. Language Day is open to the public and attended by schools throughout the region to promote an understanding of diverse customs and cultures from around the world. Approximately 5,000 people attended the annual event featuring cultural displays, activities and international ethnic cuisine served by local vendors on Presidio’s Soldier Field.

The event featured a Vietnam War veterans recognition ceremony. Vietnam War lapel pins authorized by Congress were individually presented by POM Garrison Commander Col. Lawrence Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Marshall to approximately 75 Vietnam War veterans in attendance.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.