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Panel decides one Diversity Day celebration is most effective
Posted 6/27/2012 Updated 6/27/2012
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by Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
6/27/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In November 2011, Scott Air Force Base members met for an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Improvement event to discuss the future cultural heritage recognition on base. As a result the base will now host one event a year dedicated to enhancing cross-cultural awareness, promoting harmony and diversity among military members, families and civilian work force.
On July 3, Team Scott will host an inaugural Diversity Day event celebrating five specific groups: Women's History, Asian Pacific Islander, African American, Native American and Hispanic Heritage through free educational and instructional activities, live demonstrations, games, food and much more.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Marotte, AFSO21 Cultural Diversity Team Lead, "Having one event a year will save the Air Force and base more than 3,500 hours and $14,500 annually."
But the overall reasoning behind the change was because the monthly heritage luncheons lacked consistency and attendance.
Capt. Ryan Depew, Diversity Day Committee Chair said, "One year event will bring military members, families and civilians together allowing them all to learn about strength of our military through the diversity of its members."
Other recommendations from the committee were the date should be in the summer, appoint officer and SNCO as chair and co-chair, coordinate with local diversity groups to encourage community relations. The monthly ethnic observances will still take place per DOD policy as long provided funds are not needed.
Per AFPD36-70, Air Force Diversity includes but is not limited to: personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, culture knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity and gender.
"Some of the best ways to experience a culture is through dance, music, language, and free food," said Depew.
The 2012 Diversity Day events will include: a martial arts demonstration, Zumba, Salsa, Cumbia, and Merengue dance, as well as a Mariachi band, women's self-defense demonstration and the Fly Girls 50. Each observance will have food: Guamanian mochi, haupia, red velvet cupcakes, popcorn balls, maple candy, pound cake, brownies, and chicken fajitas catered from La Parrilla.
At Noon, guest speaker Mr. Hoang Nguyen, the 375th Communications Group deputy commander will be giving his insightful look into diversity during his years serving in the military as an officer and as a civilian.
"This event is geared toward everyone at Scott--especially children," said Depew.
There will be an educational scavenger hunt for them to win prizes, as well as a bouncy castle, face painting, cartoon artist, storytelling and a swing at three different piñatas
"Truly the term diversity is endless in the military, which is why is imperative for everyone to get involved and learn about their diversity and share it."
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