JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- As February draws to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize the importance of our cultural observances.
Throughout the year, these observances give us a chance to learn about different cultures and how their unique histories enrich our military.
This month we celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans who came before us. These trailblazers include but aren’t limited to the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first African-American aviators in the U.S. military, and Col. Guion Bluford Jr., who was an Air Force fighter pilot and became the first African-American in space.
Those brave individuals’ contributions, and those of others just like them, are what paved the way for future generations of African-Americans in the military. It is because of their dedication that I can look back on my accomplishments and know they were based not on my race or ethnicity but my hard work and commitment to defending our great nation.
I am truly proud to be a part of the best Air Force in the world. Though we still have work to do, like any organization, I know my brothers and sisters in arms have my back. The beauty of military service is that we all volunteer to serve together, no matter our background or what we look like.
In a time where the world can seem more divided than ever, service members must continue to band together and show how we can be unified even with our differences. We can set the example while the world is watching.
I am proud to serve as an African-American. I am proud to serve as a command chief master sergeant. But most of all, I am proud to be an Airman serving with brave men and women in the most dominant military the world has ever seen.