MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Air Base Wing is scheduled to host its annual Cultural Awareness Day event, located at the Maxwell Honor Guard Hangar, Building 842, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cultural Awareness Day is hosted to recognize all of the yearly observances in one day.
Observances included at the event are:
· Holocaust Remembrance Day: Days of Remembrance
· African Americans
· Martin Luther King Jr. Day
· Women’s History and Equality Day
· Asian American/Pacific Islander
· Hispanics
· American Indians
· Disability Employment Awareness
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community
Each year, the Department of Defense sponsors special observances to recognize the historic, cultural, technological/scientific, and civic contributions of specific demographics within the U.S.
The DoD supports these special observances through various local programs and activities developed by local committees.
“Prior to 2014, the base celebrated these special observances with individual programs throughout the year, and maybe some people were able to attend one or two of those events,” said Jackie McCollum, Maxwell Equal Opportunity director. “However, by hosting these events together, we can exchange ideas on the different cultural groups that make up the mosaic of this country in a combined program, increasing awareness and education to the base populace.”
The purpose of hosting an event such as this, is to recognize all who accomplish Maxwell’s mission.
“It is important for us to recognize the great achievements of everyone from the diverse groups that make up America and the Air Force,” said Col. Eric Shafa, 42nd ABW commander. “This Cultural Awareness Day will enable us to understand and appreciate these diverse perspectives on life, culture, and community of all Americans.”
This year’s theme is “Diversity is a Warfighter”.
Brig. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander, Hill AFB, Utah, will be the guest speaker.
For more information, contact the Equal Opportunity office at 334-953-6010.