Photo By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster | SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Team Schriever celebrated Diversity Day at...... read more read more
The 50th Space Wing Equal Opportunity office treated Team Schriever to a day full of cultural enrichment during Diversity Day Friday, at the indoor running track here.
The intention of the event was to educate members about diversity and its importance to the Air Force mission. The Department of Defense mandates certain observances be recognized throughout the year and the Schriever EO team combined them into one performance and food-packed event.
“The Diversity Day committee continues to set a new standard of excellence each year with the overarching objective of educating our military and civilian workforce on the benefits of diversity,” said Ed Vaughn, 50 SW EO director.
The EO team has hosting this event for the past eight years, and have plans for many more.
“We wanted to encourage participants to embrace the unique individuals and understand that being different is accepted. While learning about different cultures that exist within their own workplace, we also wanted them to have a great time doing it.” said Capt. Brinetta Hence, 2nd Space Operations Squadron “Who doesn't enjoy free food and free performances? Usually people will have to wait and research around to find performances like these, but it is a privilege to be able to have all of these people come to us and show us a good time.”
The event featured food, demonstrations, presentations and a panel from more than 10 cultures and ethnic groups, with performers coming from as far as Denver. Some of the booths came from a distance too. Keoni Lagunero from the Lost Hawaiians Ohana 2G came all the way from Fort Collins, Colorado.
“We bring the Hawaiian culture to Diversity Day so people can have an opportunity to express themselves and learn about Hawaii in case they ever get the chance to go there. We have different traditional and contempary artifacts from way back then to present times,” said Lagunero.
More than 1,500 individuals came to the indoor running track to see what Diversity Day had to offer this year.
The resounding theme of diversity was not lost on the performers who understood the importance of their presence at the event and were willing to share pieces of their culture.
“It is a great way to be a part of and to promote diversity, not only in our communities but also the military communities and they in themselves are diverse because they’re coming from all over the United States. We are very glad to participate in this endeavor,” said Debbie Howe, Seven Falls Dancers.
“Hopefully, people left the event knowing a little more about culture and why fostering a climate of acceptance will ensure the viability of the Air Force,” said Vaughn.
For information on how to participate in next year’s Diversity Day event, contact the Equal Opportunity office at 567-7096.
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2016 16:54 |
| Story ID: | 217130 |
| Location: | SCHRIEVER AFB, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Schriever engages in Diversity Day, by TSgt Matthew Coleman-Foster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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