EO celebrates multicultural awareness with run

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Multicultural Day 2-mile run/walk June 11.

"The goal of this event was to help people think 'outside the box' about Equal Opportunity and Multiculturalism," said Senior Master Sgt. Carmia Basker, 4th FW EO deputy director. "Every year we celebrate nine special observances as mandated by the Department of Defense. This event was a way to celebrate all cultures of Team Seymour."

The EO staff assembled a table featuring several items from various cultures represented in the Air Force including cookbooks, flowers and educational pamphlets for racers to check out as they cooled down after the race.

"The reason we sponsored a run is because fitness is more than a physical thing, it's a mindset and education helps to keep the mind fit," Sergeant Basker said. "As such, we believe education is key in helping people communicate better which should increase positive human relations and mission readiness. Team Seymour is one team with many cultures and it's important to know who's on your team, respect them and celebrate their contributions to our goal in keeping us 'Fourth But First.'"

While this was the first race sponsored by EO, the office staff holds similar quarterly events to encourage positive human relations.

"This event and others like it are an extension of our community outreach program called 'Out and About,'" Sergeant Basker said. "These events provide opportunities for us to get out from behind (our) desks, visit with people from across the base and promote the program."

The top seven runners to finish the race were:
Airman 1st Class Michael Giammo, 4th Comptroller Squadron
Capt. Timothy Hade, 4th CPTS
Airman 1st Class Bryan Griswold, 4th Operations Support Squadron
2nd Lt. Ralph Soto, 4th CPTS
Lt. Col. Michael Vecera, 4th Fighter Wing Legal Office
Maj. Anthony Smith, 4th CPTS
1st Lt. Michael Ahl, 4th FW Legal Office

The first three walkers who crossed the finish line were:
Airman 1st Class Lauren Bartz, 4th CPTS
Master Sgt. Linda Meza-Romero, 4th Force Support Squadron
Vilmarie Martinez, 4th CPTS