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    Schriever showcases diversity, inclusion in Space Force

    Schriever showcases diversity, inclusion in Space Force

    Photo By Marcus Hill | Airman 1st Class Daryl Griffin, 4th SOPS space system operator, displays his Space...... read more read more

    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

    10.30.2020

    Story by Marcus Hill 

    Space Base Delta 1

    Since its inception Dec. 20, 2019, the U.S. Space Force continues to set the bar high for diversity and inclusion.

    “We have a lot of strength in our diversity and we pull from a lot of different walks of life,” said Tech. Sgt. Latoya Walker, Schriever Air Force Base equal opportunity specialist and advisor. “When different demographics are able to come together as one, we build our strength within that diversity and inclusion frame.”

    The Department of the Air Force, which supports both the Air and Space Force, stood up a diversity and inclusion task force in June. The task force addresses racial, ethnic and other demographic disparities and their impact on Air and Space Force personnel, according to the United States Space Force website.

    In June, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force, addressed the importance of having an experienced force as well a diverse and inclusive one.

    “We have an opportunity to get this right from the beginning and we are committed to doing so,” Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force wrote in June in a letter to service members. “We must build diversity and inclusion into our ‘cultural DNA’ — make it one of the bedrock strengths of our service.”

    The Space Force showcased its talented members, notably on Oct. 1 when Chief Master Sgt. Taryn Stys, 4th Space Control Squadron superintendent, and Chief Master Sgt. Karmann-Monique Pogue, 4th Space Operations Squadron superintendent, each promoted to chief master sergeant, the first women in the USSF to do so.

    In July, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron had an eight-member, all-female crew of space operators gain satellite control authority of satellite vehicle number 76.

    “I’m all about female empowerment, so it was so cool to be a part of that,” said Airman 1st Class Larissa Contreras, 2nd SOPS satellite systems operator. “I remember [our 2 SOPS, all-female crew] going around and speaking about [that moment] and it was such a great thing to be involved with.”

    For Contreras, who is Mexican-American, the moment held other historical value as it also showcased diversity.

    While many of Contreras’ family member represent the various Armed Forces, she said she’s the first one to join the Space Force.

    She said being Mexican-American in the Space Force offers the opportunity to become a beacon to other Mexican-Americans who consider joining the military.

    Airman 1st Class Daryl Griffin, 4th SOPS space-ground link system operator, shared similar sentiments when he became one of the first African-American Airmen to transfer to the Space Force.

    The move not only affords Griffin the chance to show his talents as a systems operator to leadership, it allows him to be an example and highlight a vast selection of career options within the military.

    “I feel like this gives me purpose and I hope that it can be motivation for all kids who look like me,” he said. “Joining the Space Force is a moment that will live on forever and I hope it can help someone else write their story.”

    Walker believes it’s important younger people and those who consider joining the military understand the inclusion Space Force provides. Space and system operators typically aren’t familiar career fields to minorities and Walker said she’s grateful that is changing.

    “Anyone can [succeed in] what they strive to do. As long as they remain consistent,” Walker said.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.30.2020
    Date Posted: 10.30.2020 14:13
    Story ID: 382112
    Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US

    Web Views: 224
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN