McConnell’s Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce continues towards cultural competency

Photo By Staff Sgt. Nilsa Garcia | Capt. Cydnee Reese, 22nd Operations Group special operations air refueling mission planner, briefs the wing commander and wing command chief on the program overview of McConnell’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce July 20, 2021, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Reese is one of five wing representatives that works to provide events and training to Airmen on diversity and inclusion. Members are certified by the University of Cornell as representatives and are equipped with certified unconscious bias training facilitators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nilsa Garcia)  

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, UNITED STATES

07.22.2021

Story by Senior Airman Nilsa Garcia 

22nd Air Refueling Wing

Team McConnell continues to work towards the cultural competency that will enable our team to thrive and effectively accomplish various missions.

For the past year it has been the mission of the Air Force to cultivate an environment where every member, Airman and civilian is respected and valued regardless of their identity, culture, and background.

McConnell’s own Diversity and Inclusion taskforce met with wing leadership July 20, 2021, to discuss upcoming program initiatives that will address the issues of underrepresentation and disparities and its impact to the team.

“Diversity and Inclusion is both a moral and a warfighting imperative,” said Col. Nate Vogel, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “It is commander business.”

McConnell’s D&I taskforce was formed towards the end of 2020 and is made up three components: a program leader, wing representatives and unit representatives. Together they work to provide events and training to the wing’s Airmen on diversity and inclusion.

“This is something that is close to my heart,” said Capt. Cyndee Reese, 22nd ARW D&I wing representative. “When people feel included and we have diversity of thought and diversity of personnel, we’re that much more effective. This is the perfect opportunity where I see McConnell being able to improve and implement programs to ensure that our people are trained up on diversity and inclusion.”

The taskforce is working diligently to further develop the program to define future milestones, acknowledge challenges and gain the involvement of proper unit services along the way.

“The Wing’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is plugged into the squadrons here at McConnell, as well as AMC,” said Vogel. “I can’t tell you how much Chief Royster and I appreciate the team’s dedication and enthusiasm. We will continue to listen, and we look forward to building a roadmap of what the Diversity and Inclusion program looks like in the 22 ARW.”

To contact McConnell’s diversity and inclusion taskforce, use the following email [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 07.22.2021
• Date Posted: 08.11.2021 13:03
• Story ID: 401464
• Location: MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, US