Club promotes diversity with education, fellowship, awareness

November 21, 1997
Originally published by Fairchild Connection (Fairchild AFB, WA)

Fairchild's African-American Club is always looking to increase awareness in cultural diversity among the base population and local community. On Nov. 7, the club held a Thanksgiving Membership Drive and dinner at the Deel Community Center.

There was plenty of good food to be found, not to mention a raffle that had something for almost everyone, a moving pre-dinner speech by president Peggie Troutt, and an equally rousing speech on appreciation for diversity by SSgt. Rex Jones of Social Actions.

Said Jones: "As a social actions representative, I have always been interested in creating a different awareness of cultures. It brings about more appreciation for not only their own culture, but ones that differ. The bottom line is that you can never learn enough. This is just another aspect of that.

"It's an issue of respect. The more you respect yourself, and learn about others, you come to respect them as well. You will be pleasantly surprised."

Troutt brought smiles to everyone who attended by saying: "We're going to start eating immediately--the food's getting cold."

During the meeting, SrA. William Stephens of the 92nd Maintenance Squadron told of his experiences volunteering for the Big Brothers & Sisters program. The agency is geared toward volunteers acting as mentors and role models for youths six to 14. Often these kids come from single-parent families or troubled backgrounds.

"I took a boy in as a son," he said. "We do things like go to football games, movies and parks. I don't really come out of my pocket much, but that's not important. Spending time is what's vital. I'm not his father, but I try to give him guidance. People should think about it, and try to get involved."

The other regularly scheduled events are the Martin Luther King commemorative luncheon, held at Club Fairchild the Friday before the Federal Holiday; the Annual Heritage Banquet; the annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, which recognizes the emancipation of slavery; and dances for teens, car washes, bake sales, and an annual 5K walk-a-thon.

SMSgt. Dwight Emerson, aircraft manager in the 92nd Aircraft Generation Squadron, aircraft manager in the 92nd Aircraft Generation Squadron, stressed the importance of people getting together and staying in contact. "I think it is important on a fellowship basis to contribute to your community.

"Everybody wants to belong to something, and that's why we're in the Air Force to begin with. This is just a small part of it."

SSgt. Tammy Wicks of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing legal office, joined the club during the Thanksgiving membership drive two years ago and became the publicity chairman in April. She liked being in a year-round club as opposed to only committees for major events at other bases.

"Here, we do things year round. We have cultural awareness going throughout the year, and I stress that this group is not just for African Americans. We have members from all races, we have fun doing activities, and the whole idea is to interface with the whole community."

SrA. Lorenzo Herman, vice president, stated an opportunity to share with other people on and off base as the reason he became active.

"What we try to do is share our culture through lectures, films and entertainment. We have several events throughout the year," he said.

Herman has been active in the club since PCSing here three years ago. He has been vice president for a year.

"People have this impression that this club is only for African-Americans. It is by no means limited."

The club's biggest contribution is the annual college scholarship contest, which awards at least $1000 to high school seniors and continuing education adults. The awards are given at a main banquet in February and are open to active duty and dependents, and DoD civilians and their families. "It helps out a lot of people," Wicks said. "I think everyone benefits, and our community is helped a great deal. Definitely our scholarship award winners benefit."

"I try to help educate and inform people of our culture," SrA. Pam Hill of the 92nd Logistics Support Squadron said. Hill has been secretary of the club for one year. "I try to be actively involved."

CMSgt. Nickey Clark, 92nd ARW senior enlisted advisor, was also in attendance. He commended the club for its' mission to establish a sense of community.

"This serves as a very valuable community service," Clark said. "It is a terrific sense of awareness when people get past preconceived ideas, break down walls, and start doing right by each other the way we're supposed to."