Faithful to a proud heritage: Diversity council held in Atlanta

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman
  • 94th Public Affairs
ATLANTA, Ga. --  Nearly 250 Total Force Airmen convened in downtown Atlanta Oct. 28 to attend the bi-annual Air Force Reserve Command Human Resources Development Council.

Formed in 1991, the three-day workshop is a multi-tiered initiative that allows Reservists, Active Guard and Reserve, Air Reserve Technicians and civilians a chance to learn about current issues affecting human resources and diversity within the command. The HRDC is unique to AFRC and no other Air Force command hosts a similar workshop.

This year's theme is "Faithful to a Proud Heritage."

"Our doctrine is Airmen taking care of Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Keith Kries, HRDC vice chairman, during opening remarks. "To learn how we can do that better we will hear from our junior enlisted as well as our senior leaders about issues that affect our people."

Input from junior enlisted was given during a First Term Airman's Panel that featured five reservists with less than four year's service within the Reserves. Questions included how each of them motivated their peers and what qualities they look for within a leader.

"They should have knowledge, the ability to inspire and be a good communicator," said Senior Airman Karl Koenig, a reservists from 22nd AF at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

Maj. Gen. James Graves, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters, gave a lecture titled, "The American Experiment," that focused on examples of diversity throughout American history.  

The general spoke on a key phrase within Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal."  He talked about the efforts of historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman and Martin Luther King Jr. continuing the legacy of that phrase during the fight for Civil Rights.

Other topics during the workshop include Equal Opportunity diversity and mentoring sessions, a lecture by an Original Tuskegee Airman from Atlanta, a discussion of women in aviation and a senior leader's panel.

"We're here to learn and share," said Maj. Gen. Martin Mazick, 22nd Air Force commander at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. "A bright idea in the southwest corner of the United States may work in the northwest corner."