As mariachi music flowed from the Walters Community Center ballroom at the Little Rock Air Force Base on Friday morning, airmen perused the lobby, where there were opportunities to eat a piece of Jewish challah bread, see bicycles fashioned for disabled veterans and learn about accomplished gay and lesbian airmen.
Airmen celebrated their differences at the 2016 Diversity Day throughout the day. The multifaceted function included ethnic dances and music, speakers from various organizations, and a room with booths representing each of the special observances the Department of Defense recognizes, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Holocaust Remembrance Day; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month; and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“I would encourage each of you to remember to celebrate the differences, celebrate the diversity that’s right here among you and act to be totally honest and totally kind,” Col. James Dryjanski, 314th Airlift Wing commander, said in his opening remarks for Diversity Day. “It will translate into mission readiness and a better, more prosperous, more secure future for America.”
Master Sgt. Elizabeth Woodland, who was part of the Diversity Day planning committee, said airmen from across the base volunteered to represent booths and participate in Diversity Day, in addition to their regular duties.
“Everybody here volunteered,” she said as she stood next to the Holocaust Remembrance booth. “It’s nice to see all of the different backgrounds coming together.”
Second Lt. Danielle Tabb said it is important to recognize and celebrate the different backgrounds and perspectives from airmen. Not only does this make everyone feel comfortable, she said, but it can also be beneficial to learn from each other when setting out to complete various tasks and missions.
“I really believe in diversity,” she said. “[The Air Force] is more diverse than ever, and we have different ways of solving problems.”
The Equal Opportunity Office, which works toward eliminating discrimination and making sure observances are acknowledged on base, was one organization represented at Diversity Day.
“Diversity Day brings us all together at one time,” said Tech Sgt. Felicia Simpson with the Equal Opportunity Office. “We come from all walks of life. It’s great to see us all come together.”
Capt. Tarah Mitchell, Diversity Day director, said one of the great things about the Air Force is that airmen can embrace their diversity while still coming together to fulfill their mission of defending the United States and the Constitution.
“Diversity Day is important to me,” Mitchell said. “It’s important to acknowledge our differences. Even with those differences, we ultimately serve the same purpose.”
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.