MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The 23d Wing plans to kick off Diversity Day Feb. 23 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, here.

The new Air Force-wide initiative celebrates different cultures by encompassing all of the heritage and awareness months recognized by the Air Force into two days throughout the year.

During the first day, Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Women’s History, Native American Heritage, and National Disability Awareness Months as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be recognized and attendees will hear about diversity within the military from retired Gen. Larry O. Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

“Diversity day is a new approach to culminate all walks of life within the Air Force, so we can see what each diverse group brings to the table,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Palmer, 23d Mission Support Group deputy commander.

Not only are the festivities highlighting distinctive cultures and beliefs, but essentially the goal is to emphasize personal differences and how they can be beneficial.

“Diversity to me isn’t just a gender, race or culture thing,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Kunkel, 23d Wing commander. “It’s the sum of all our experiences and backgrounds that include your education, technical specialty, or an officer who was prior service to name a few examples. It’s all of those things that bring different viewpoints to the table and add richness to the discussion and in the end a better solution.

“We bring different thought processes to the table because we each have different backgrounds and our stories are unique,” Kunkel added.

Along with learning the benefits of personal differences, anyone attending can expect to experience different cultures and backgrounds through seeing the ways people dress, the way they dance, tasting the food they eat as well as the different music and literature associated with those cultures.

“Airmen will walk away with more information than they typically would,” said Master Sgt. Dannion McLendon, 23d Wing inspector general superintendent. “If they come with an open mind, there will be a lot of opportunities for them to learn about each of the areas that we’re celebrating.”

Anyone looking for more information can contact the AFRC at 229-257-3333.Anyone looking for more information can contact McLendon at 257-3341 or Staff Sgt. Cole Barkett at 257-7767.

Moody Air Force Base