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MEO, EEO combine to provide world-class service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melinda Morris
  • 15th Airlift Wing Equal Opportunity
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Hickam's Military Equal Opportunity and Equal Employment Opportunity offices will combine to better serve the community. 

In line with the Program Budget Decision 720 initiative, the two offices are preparing for a merger this month, which will create a stronger workforce able to handle both military and civilian equal opportunity issues. According to Lieutenant General Brady, the combined offices will be called Equal Opportunity, stating in a memo dated Nov. 14, 2007, "The Air Force will provide better Equal Opportunity service to Commanders and Airmen which will position the Air Force's EO program for the 21st century ... Creat[ing] synergies that will come with having a highly-trained multi-disciplinary workforce. The integration transforms the EO support infrastructure and leverages the Alternate Dispute Resolution program." 

The EEO and MEO personnel attended extensive training for complaints processes and the respective programs. The offices will also conduct on-the job training to become familiar with handling grievances and implementing proactive programs. 

Another benefit of the merger is having additional staff members to conduct training and continue serving as alternative dispute resolution program mediators. Ms. Donna Strickland remains the ADR manager for civilian disputes. 

The offices will continue to find better ways to effectively and efficiently support commanders, Airmen and civilians. Equal opportunity is a serious topic for all members of the Air Force. In his Letter to Airmen in April, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said, "As the Secretary of the Air Force, I am dedicated to ensuring the talents of every Airmen are valued and that characteristics unrelated to performance never impede opportunity." 

The MEO and EEO personnel will retain their respective offices located in Bldg. 1113, near the Health and Wellness Center. Ms. Jocelyn McChesney and Ms. Melody Banglos will continue their roles as collateral duty EEO counselors and retain the roles and responsibilities of that position. 

For more information, call the EO office at 449-1701 or 449-6451. 
(Senior Airman Nestor Cruz, 18th Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story.)