Major Mike White, Persian instructor at West Point, shares his journey with the U.S. Army, starting from his enlistment in 2002 to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO). Major White elaborates on his experiences learning Dari at the Defense Language Institute, the significance of cultural immersion, and his deployments in Afghanistan and Nepal, where he navigated complex relationships and critical missions. He also underscores the value of writing skills, adaptability, and family resilience. The narrative highlights the power of networking within the FAO community, recounting personal anecdotes on how these connections have supported successful operations, including during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Major White reflects on his storied career and future plans to continue contributing to the community, leveraging his language skills and cultural expertise.