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188th Diversity Day event celebrates strength in differences

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Hannah Landeros
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Arkansas --  Throughout history, diversity has played a vital role in forming the United States, ranging from President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Doris Miller and the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Without important leaders, such as President Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., the United States might look very different today.

Martin Luther King Jr. said of the importance of leadership, "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus."

On Sept. 7, 2014, the 188th Wing Equal Opportunity Office held a diversity day event.  Mr. Michael Johnson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities at the University of Arkansas, spoke to Arkansas National Guardsmen from the 188th Wing about diversity in equality, behavior, change and leadership.

Johnson, also a retired Rear Admiral from the U.S. Navy, explained diversity comes in many forms and is defined as differences and varieties.

"We are a wide variety of races, colors, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, education levels, ranks, careers fields, ages, cultures, subcultures and an endless list of other uniquely descriptive characteristics," Johnson said.

During his speech, Johnson emphasized that diversity is much like a uniformed services and that Guardsmen must be committed to each other just as they are committed to the oath of office. He also challenged Airmen to focus on people, to value and cherish the diversity at the 188th Wing.

Johnson also quoted Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Arkansas National Guard adjutant general. Wofford is a strong proponent of diversity and the strengths it brings to an organization.

"Maj. Gen. Wofford once said 'diversity is recognized as a strategic imperative. A workplace that encourages trust, fairness, opportunity and open communication among all members is a concept we strive to achieve daily.'" Johnson said. "I truly believe that."

Johnson highlighted his overall message, stating that leadership is people focused, and that it is important to create an environment for every individual to realize everyone is different. The environment it creates is essential for each individual to reach their full humanly possible potential.

"People are our core, our heart and soul, our basic building blocks," Johnson said. "They are our foundation of our team at every level."

Reflecting on Johnson's message, Maj. Danielle Wood, 188th Wing Equal Opportunity chief, echoed his sentiments that recognizing the differences within the unit helps create a positive environment. Promotion of diversity by providing special observance programs and events is critical to achieving that positive workplace atmosphere.

188th Diversity Day event celebrates strength in differences

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Hannah Landeros
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Arkansas --  Throughout history, diversity has played a vital role in forming the United States, ranging from President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Doris Miller and the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Without important leaders, such as President Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., the United States might look very different today.

Martin Luther King Jr. said of the importance of leadership, "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus."

On Sept. 7, 2014, the 188th Wing Equal Opportunity Office held a diversity day event.  Mr. Michael Johnson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities at the University of Arkansas, spoke to Arkansas National Guardsmen from the 188th Wing about diversity in equality, behavior, change and leadership.

Johnson, also a retired Rear Admiral from the U.S. Navy, explained diversity comes in many forms and is defined as differences and varieties.

"We are a wide variety of races, colors, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, education levels, ranks, careers fields, ages, cultures, subcultures and an endless list of other uniquely descriptive characteristics," Johnson said.

During his speech, Johnson emphasized that diversity is much like a uniformed services and that Guardsmen must be committed to each other just as they are committed to the oath of office. He also challenged Airmen to focus on people, to value and cherish the diversity at the 188th Wing.

Johnson also quoted Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Arkansas National Guard adjutant general. Wofford is a strong proponent of diversity and the strengths it brings to an organization.

"Maj. Gen. Wofford once said 'diversity is recognized as a strategic imperative. A workplace that encourages trust, fairness, opportunity and open communication among all members is a concept we strive to achieve daily.'" Johnson said. "I truly believe that."

Johnson highlighted his overall message, stating that leadership is people focused, and that it is important to create an environment for every individual to realize everyone is different. The environment it creates is essential for each individual to reach their full humanly possible potential.

"People are our core, our heart and soul, our basic building blocks," Johnson said. "They are our foundation of our team at every level."

Reflecting on Johnson's message, Maj. Danielle Wood, 188th Wing Equal Opportunity chief, echoed his sentiments that recognizing the differences within the unit helps create a positive environment. Promotion of diversity by providing special observance programs and events is critical to achieving that positive workplace atmosphere.