AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Published June 5, 2025
By Jim Varhegyi, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFLCMC) --- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation (AFSAC) Directorate held its 30th annual International Reception led by its Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) on May 23 near Wright-Patt.

Headquartered at Wright-Patt and under the direction of Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, AFSAC administers the Air Force’s multi-billion-dollar Foreign Military Sales (FMS) enterprise. Geraghty’s team oversees the sale of aircraft, munitions, equipment, supplies, and construction needed to deliver and support airpower capabilities of partner nations around the world.

“The International Reception is an outstanding event that allowed me to interact with our international partners and experience the diversity of cultures. Our Foreign Laison Officers are critical to the success of not only their home country’s mission, but also to the success of the U.S. Air Force’s mission,” said the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Executive Director Dennis D’Angelo, who attended the reception. “The foreign liaison officers help us build strong partnerships and friendships today so that we can support each other in the future. Their presence helps us better understand the needs of their militaries while allowing them to experience the greatness of our country. The International Reception is a great way to celebrate our cultures and renew our friendships. I am grateful for the honor to have participated."

Two men standing, talking. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Shawn Lyman (left), Deputy Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), speaks with a Lt Col Wongi Jo, foreign liaison officer (FLO) from the Republic of Korea, during the directorate’s Foreign Liaison Officer International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unify common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Air Force musicians perform during formal event. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Members of the United States Air Force Band of Flight perform during the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate's (AFSAC), Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) program’s International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to foster a shared understanding of common values, mindsets, and goals that transcend cultural boundaries for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Three men standing, talking. Two have backs to camera. Man facing camera is wearing a tuxedo. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Dennis D’Angelo (center), Executive Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) speaks with two attendees during the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate’s Foreign Liaison Officer International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unify common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

The AFSAC workforce focuses on supporting the national defense strategy (NDS), by strengthening alliances and attracting new partners. It does that by providing USAF weapon systems and associated logistics, sustainment, and building construction support to international partners, which in turn strengthens their national security and contributes immeasurably to global security.

“I truly love this mission. I tell people I have the best job ever. This is an incredible opportunity to work here and contribute to a worldwide mission. I value the FLOs more than you'll ever know, and I have immense respect for those who move from their countries to come here to build this partnership, work with us, and help us learn about you, your cultures, and your desires, while also sharing them with us,” said Shawn Lyman, AFSAC’s Deputy Director. “We are living in a fast-changing world with many ongoing conflicts, challenges, and significant uncertainty. Our mission and obligation are to contribute to maintaining peace and stability for our nations and to provide the framework for a safe and prosperous world for our children and future generations.”

FLOs are assigned to work side-by-side with AFSAC personnel to manage the logistics of their country's weapon systems. The FLO program also fosters common values and goals among the diverse cultures represented within the FLO community.

“Tonight we come together as a global community with a common mindset, values, and goals, which we share across our cultures, ensuring peace, prosperity, and faith,” said FLO committee chairman Col. Georgis Tzamalis of Greece and the Hellenic Air Force. “I would like to express our community’s gratitude for the AFSAC leadership, especially from Brigadier General Geraghty and Mr. Lyman, for their open and transparent cooperation and for their efforts to resolve the oftentimes difficult and complex issues that we come across. Their efforts have helped enhance cooperation and understanding with other United States government organizations outside of AFSAC and the Air Force Materiel Command structure. They’ve also helped to minimize turbulence and the negative effects from the recent substantial changes in our daily business. Thank you for being here tonight to reaffirm our long-lasting partnership and friendship.”

Female and male military officers hold award. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) chairman Col. Georgis Tzamalis of the Hellenic Air Force presents Royal Australian Air Force Sgt. Kylie Hawley with the AFSAC/FLO Coin of Excellence during the AFSAC/FLO International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The coin is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism, leadership, dedication and commitment to the international FLO community. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to foster a shared understanding of common values, mindsets, and goals that transcend cultural boundaries for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Man stands behind podium and addresses crowd sitting at round tables in ballroom. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Shawn Lyman, Deputy Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), delivers remarks during the AFSAC Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unite common values, mindsets, and goals to foster cross-cultural sharing for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Man wearing tuxedo talks behind podium in front of many flags of various countries. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Shawn Lyman, Deputy Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), delivers remarks during the AFSAC Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unite common values, mindsets, and goals to foster cross-cultural sharing for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Sign says AFSAC FLO Reception 2025. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Members of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate's (AFSAC), Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) program, and their spouses, gathered for an International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to foster a shared understanding of common values, mindsets, and goals that transcend cultural boundaries for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Greek military officer stands at podium. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) chairman Col. Georgis Tzamalis of the Hellenic Air Force welcomes attendees to the 30th Annual Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate’s (AFSAC) FLO International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unite common values, mindsets, and goals to foster cross-cultural sharing for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

5 men in formal attire stand in front of ballroom. — AFSAC celebrates 30 years of collaboration during its annual FLO International Reception

Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) chairman Col. Georgis Tzamalis (left) of the Hellenic Air Force introduces the incoming committee members during the 30th Annual Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate’s (AFSAC) FLO International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 22, 2025. The AFSAC/FLO program aims to unite common values, mindsets, and goals to foster cross-cultural sharing for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)