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Maxwell hosts second annual Cultural Awareness Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala --  Airmen came together to not only celebrate diversity but to promote understanding and tolerance during the second annual Cultural Awareness Day at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 10, 2015.

The event not only showcased various cultures to include African American, Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native American Indian, but also promoted tolerance and understanding by observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women's History Month/Women's Equality Day and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Pride Month by telling the history of each observance.

Col. Andrea Tullos, 42nd Air Base Wing commander, set the tone during opening remarks by explaining the importance of celebrating people's differences.

"It's really not about the color of our skin or the clothes you wear; It's what's in our minds, what's in our hearts and the experiences that we share with each other," said Tullos.

Throughout the event Airmen from various cultures showcased the unique qualities of their cultures and shared their native food with attendees. A video was also presented that encouraged appreciation of cultural differences and promoted acceptance of other people.

Because Airmen come from all over the country and from different backgrounds, Cultural Awareness Day is a time when they can come together to celebrate their differences and learn how those differences contribute to achieving the Air Force mission.

"The event helps people understand different cultures and how to better function as a unit," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Rodriquez, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Headquarters.

"I think it's important to learn the differences that we have and celebrate those differences to better understand what makes the tapestry of American history and culture," said Master Sgt. Carlton Young, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center network operations superintendent.