Certainly, adapting to a new culture while abroad is a challenging task, more so if you are trying to flourish and be successful in it. Recently, we came across the story of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jomar Perez, a construction management inspector with the 718th Civil Engineer Squadron, who struggled adapting to American culture and military culture. For him, seeing Airmen from different backgrounds was a source of inspiration.

"A new mentality kicked in, Perez said. Rather than seeing his foreign background as a hindrance, he explained, he recognized it as a challenge that strengthened his character in the long run. Even his leaders identified with his acquired strengths.

"When it comes to adapting to a new culture, I can relate to that as well, so I understand him better than most people," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kossiva Akou, Perez's supervisor, "Going through those hardships has made him a better person and more empathetic towards others."

Click here to read about Staff Sgt. Jomar Perez story about adapting to military culture and how he learned to flourish in the military.