Celebrating our International Partners with “A Night Around the World”

  • Published
  • By Jim Varhegyi, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFLCMC) -- Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, August 29.

Themed “A Night Around the World,” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the international partners and the associated relationships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission.

There are currently more than 185 International Partners representing 35 countries assigned across AFMC. Seventy-two international partners from 22 countries attended this year’s AFMC International Ball.

“On behalf of the Air Force Materiel Command and on behalf of Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, [AFMC commander] who couldn't be here tonight. I'm so honored to welcome you and to host the 44th International ball,” said Voorheis. “Looking out across this room tonight, I don't see just colleagues and distinguished guests. I see friends. I see the living embodiment of our theme ‘A Night Around the World.’ We are truly grateful you've chosen to spend this evening with us tonight.” 

Male USAF general wears formal uniform and stands behind a podium giving a speech.

44th annual International Ball

Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, August 29, 2026. Themed “A Night Around the World” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) and the international partnerships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)
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International partners working in AFMC serve as their nation’s in-person links to U.S. Air Force organizations. Their work is critical in supporting security-assistance and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs necessary for coordinating equipment, sustainment, and other requirements of U.S. partner nation air forces.

The International Ball’s roots tie closely to AFLCMC’s Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation (AFSAC) Directorate.

"The relationships we build with our international partners represent our greatest asymmetric advantage. Every Security Assistance case we manage, and every training event we support, directly contributes to building the trust and interoperability essential for effective coalition operations. Events like the AFMC International Ball strengthen our partnerships and build the foundation for us to stand as a united, seamless front against any collective challenge.”

Founded in 1980, the AFMC International Ball provides a unique opportunity for senior Air Force leaders, U.S. personnel, foreign representatives and local partners to recognize coalition relationships, the importance of cultural exchange, and the practical mission value of international cooperation.
Men and women in formal Air Force attire stand and talk.

44th annual International Ball

Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, August 29, 2026. Themed “A Night Around the World” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) and the international partnerships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res


“Tonight is about celebrating you,” said Voorheis. “This is a celebration of the bonds we share and the trust we are forging together. The real story is about the people. It's about the daily collaborations, the shared understanding, and the personal connections we're building. These relationships are the bedrock of our collective security. They ensure that if we are ever called upon to stand together in crisis, we will do so, not just as a collection of allies and partners, but also as a team of trusted friends. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your dedication and thank you for your friendship.”

People wearing dragon suits dance at international ball. There is a red carpet in the shot.

44th annual International Ball

Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, August 29, 2026. Themed “A Night Around the World” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) and the international partnerships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Person wearing dragon costume dancing. People at round tables. Red carpet is seen.

44th annual International Ball

Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, August 29, 2026. Themed “A Night Around the World” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) and the international partnerships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Young foreign officers in dress attire sit at round table and smile.

44th annual International Ball

Lt. Gen. Jason Voorheis, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), hosted the 44th Annual International Ball at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, August 29, 2026. Themed “A Night Around the World” the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) sponsored annual event is a longstanding tradition honoring the Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) and the international partnerships underpinning the Air Force’s global security-assistance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res