Equal Opportunity holds first Diversity Council meeting Nov. 17

  • Published
  • By by Airman Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth's newly-formed Diversity Council held its first meeting at the Rushmore Center Nov. 17, with more than 30 people attending.

The organization is open to all Airmen and aims to raise awareness about working to understand everyone's differences to enhance the human relations environment.

"A team makes the mission happen," said Chief Master Sgt. Freddie Dorsey, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron enlistment manager. "By getting more people to attend these meetings, it gets them out of their comfort zone and to be a part of something important to make the mission happen."

The Equal Opportunity office facilitated the meeting by providing Department of Defense and Air Force guidance that regulates possible special observance activity issues, informing members of past events and their roles and responsibilities as committee members.

"The council aims to celebrate and coordinate special observance activities for each month to increase Airmen participation and awareness," said Staff Sgt. Janay Stokes, 28th Bomb Wing EO technician.

Staff Sgt. Lawanda Perthel, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron geographic information systems NCO in charge and council secretary, added Airmen must work together to raise awareness of diversity.

"If you open your mind to what is offensive and what is not, it could solve many [cooperation] problems in offices," Perthel said.

For more information or to join the council, visit the EO office or call (605) 385-1342.