Photo By Staff Sgt. LAUSANNE KINDER | An Airmen pins a ribbon on a runner during the Pride 5k hosted by the Lesbian, Gay,...... read more read more
As the faded blue of the morning sky is greeted by rays of orange from the rising sun, bursts of pink, purple, blue, and yellow powder are tossed towards runners during the Pride 5k hosted by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender committee, June 24.
In the midst of color, runners don rainbow ribbons with a sheer black center made by Staff Sgt. Sharmaine Popa, 607th Air Control Squadron training instructor.
“I wanted to do something for the victims of Orlando,” said Popa. “Even if it was something small...”
Across the country from where the tragic shooting happened at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Airmen here paid their respects.
Master Sgt. Marta Turner, 69th Fighter Squadron NCO in-charge of personnel and administrative programs, was among the runners who appreciated the extra step the LGBT committee took.
“I think it’s great we’re wearing the ribbons to show our support for the Orlando victims,” said Turner. “We’re coming together for one another despite being thousands of miles away.”
There was no trace of sadness at the start of the run, only cheering and excitement as the runners took off.
“That’s how it should be,” said Popa. “We’ll always remember but we’re also here to celebrate life.”
The LGBT committee also hosted a social which included guest speakers, food, and a raffle.
Popa hopes that in the future they can host more fundraisers and events.
“It has been a few years since the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but I think it’ll be a while before it’s more widely and openly accepted,” said Popa. “…it has to start with us [the committee members] because if we shy away from it, everyone else will too.”
Turner, agreed.
“I think people need to keep an open mind,” she said. “Ultimately the Air Force is one family. Active, Reserve, and Guard; we need to be united and support one another.”
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2016 20:29 |
| Story ID: | 202699 |
| Location: | LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, AZ, US |
| Hometown: | GLENDALE, AZ, US |
| Hometown: | OAK HARBOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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