PATRICK AFB, FL – Air Force Col. L. Aimee Storm accepted the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute guidon, signifying her status as the commandant of the institute during an assumption of leadership ceremony held here, October 7.
Doing so, she became DEOMI’s 17th military commandant, and the first Air Force National Guard female commandant in the 48-year history of the institute.
Mr. Clarence Johnson, the senior executive director for the Diversity Management Operations Center, was the first to speak after the presentation of colors.
“DEOMI always has been and will continue to be a force multiplier,” Johnson said. “We play a key role in the lethality and effectiveness of our Department of Defense.”
He also took the opportunity to recognize – and thank – the person who served as the “acting commandant” for about two months.
“Much thanks to Chris Brown, who was serving as the deputy director of the Diversity Management Operations Center, a newly established component at the time under the Defense Human Resources Activity,” said Johnson.
“He displayed his selfless service once again for a two-month interim, where he had a very positive impact,” he said.
Mr. William Booth, director of the Defense Human Resource Activity, and presiding officer of the assumption of command ceremony was next to speak.
“It’s a bright new beginning,” he said emphatically. “What’s the next step forward?” Booth asked.
“I’m not sure, but I look forward to seeing it,” he said with a smile. “I know she will take this organization to an even higher level,” Booth continued.
“Here’s the bottom line, there is value added only if you add value. Make no mistake about it, Col. Storm does just that.”
Standing before several of her friends and family, and a packed DEOMI auditorium, Storm began and ended her speech with the exact same words.
“I’m honored and blessed to be here,” she said with emotion as, she thanked her friends, staff members and students of Equal Opportunity Advisor Course 19-3, and especially her parents and family.
“I started my career as a teacher … a biology teacher,” she said. “It was my job then to teach kids … and to teach them to think critically, very similar as to what goes on here,” she said.
“Think about it … we have the chance here to change the culture of the military. The staff we have here is absolutely amazing.
“All I ask is that each and every one of us to do what they can do to ensure readiness by giving it their all, every single day,” Storm said. “Again, I’m honored and blessed to be here,” she said at the close of the event.
Editor’s Note: Since its inception in 1971, when it was known as the Defense Race Relations Institute (DRRI) The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute has enhanced combat readiness by fostering positive human relations throughout diverse Armed Services.
That mandate has been carried to the field and fleet by the nearly 52,000 DEOMI military and civilian graduates from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard.
Story by Christopher Calkins
DEOMI Public Affairs Officer