Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    “African-Americans in times of war” honored at Fort Carson

    “African-Americans in times of war” honored at Fort Carson

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Wyatt | FORT CARSON, Colorado - Brig. Gen, Dave Hodne, Deputy Commanding General, 4th Infantry...... read more read more

    FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

    02.26.2018

    Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Wyatt 

    10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Each February, Armed Services across the nation celebrate African American History Month. Service members take the opportunity to honor the contributions of African Americans to our military and create a greater awareness regarding the richness of African-American history.

    This month's observance reflected on its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and the association initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as National African American/Black History Month.

    This year’s observance at Fort Carson was hosted by the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the theme was “African Americans in Times of War.”

    “Events like this are important because of the different cross-cultural awareness they promote, and they foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding,” said Col. Lawrence G. Ferguson, 10th SFG (A) commander. “The Army history you learn at observances like this make you appreciate the endeavors of those who came before you.”

    The host of the afternoon, Sgt. 1st Class Colin McElrath, Equal Opportunity Advisor for 10th SFG (A), talked about African Americans’ long distinguished history of service in defense of the nation and service to the U.S. Army from the American Revolution to present day conflicts.

    “Cross-cultural awareness promotes harmony and mission readiness. Observances like these are an extension of the Equal Opportunity program to achieve that effect,” said McElrath. “Highlighting the diversity, struggles, and accomplishments of our own Soldiers really brought a personal touch to this observance.”

    Three guest speakers who delivered messages of inspiration at the event were: Maj. Tanisha Bruns, the Clinical Nurse Officer in Charge for the Iron Horse Clinic, Master Sgt. Kevin Woods, Equal Opportunity Advisor for 4th Infantry Division, and Sgt. 1st Class Dyna Oscar-Exilhomme, Equal Opportunity Advisor for 71st Ordnance Group (EOD). Each speaker talked about what inspired them as Soldiers, with an emphasis on the Army Value of “Respect.”

    “Respect for me has many forms. It can be self-awareness, character, trust, honesty and a positive attitude,” said Oscar-Exilhomme. “As Soldiers we are responsible for treating each other with dignity and respect.”

    Brig. Gen, Dave Hodne, Deputy Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division, presented the guest speakers with Certificates of Appreciation and 4ID coins before his closing remarks.

    “We pay tribute today and recognize the important contributions made past and present,” said Hodne. “In the end, those African Americans join a blend of Soldiers to make our Army strong and diverse.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.26.2018
    Date Posted: 03.01.2018 17:32
    Story ID: 267802
    Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US

    Web Views: 112
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN