MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
A meeting to kick off the new 167th Airlift Wing Heritage and Diversity Council was held in the wing conference room at Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, W.Va., April 3.
The council will plan activities and events to highlight the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the wing.
“It’s important to talk about who we are and where we come from because we all bring something to the table,” said Senior Master Sgt. Lona Lozinski, council organizer and wing community action team chairperson.
Lozinski described the council intent as two-pronged, prioritizing activities to highlight monthly observances and educate Airmen, and secondly to address areas of concern within the wing.
“We want to start with the fun stuff and open up the lines of communication, the hard stuff will come,” said Lozinski, who noted the mechanisms already in place to address concerns such as the Equal Opportunity and Inspector General offices.
The discussion during the meeting touched on a range of topics including how to involve the civilian spouses of the wing’s female Airmen, and West Virginia pride and how pepperoni rolls are part of the state’s heritage.
The group brainstormed ideas to celebrate Pride month, Juneteenth and West Virginia Day during June’s unit training assembly. Be on the lookout for details on these upcoming events.
The council will meet again during May’s unit training assembly. All Airman are welcome and encouraged to attend and help build this new council.