JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Air Force personnel from across Pacific Air Forces gathered here Aug. 9-10 for a course on implementing diversity and inclusion programs at their respective installations.
This training was the first step toward increasing awareness for diversity and inclusion among all PACAF Airmen, in accordance with guidelines set by the Air Force in 2015.
Duane Keys, PACAF chief of diversity and inclusion, said those who attended this training will be critical in educating Airmen on how diversity and inclusion factor into the Air Force mission.
“Every person brings a different level to the fight,” Keys said. “Diversity recognizes we each have unique skills and perspectives. Inclusion is bringing all of that together to best accomplish the mission.”
Air Force Reserve Command, which has identified and trained all AFRC diversity and inclusion program managers, partnered with PACAF to host the course. Lee Floyd, chief diversity officer, and Master Sgt. Kristina Blodgett, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of diversity and equal opportunity, led trainees in diversity and inclusion content and program management.
While diversity and inclusion program managers will report training progress and best practices to PACAF, they will also be working closely with unit leadership.
“Diversity and inclusion ultimately belongs to the vice commanders,” Keys said. “The people who attended this course will make sure their program meets both commander’s intent and PACAF guidelines on the ground-level.”
Diversity and inclusion ensures all Airmen can make their greatest contributions to mission success. They enhance Air Force operational capabilities by making the force more agile and effective.
“Diversity and inclusion are mission imperatives,” Floyd said. “We need those two things to innovate and succeed as a team.”