944th celebrates unity, diversity with annual luncheon

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Henry Detwiler
  • 944th Fighter Wing Chief of Equal Opportunity
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Fighter Wing Human Resources Development Council conducted the second annual Unity Luncheon Nov. 1. The Unity Luncheon gives the wing as a whole to celebrate the cultural backgrounds of all its members. 

Although the Air Force has monthly recognition programs, the 944th Fighter Wing's reserve status doesn't allow for monthly recognition events. Instead, the Equal Opportunity Office and the HRDC combine all the year's events into one annual celebration. 

"It's a way to explore and advertise the diversity that we have within our wing," said Tech. Sgt. Gillian Taylor-Dorsett, 944th FW Equal Opportunity Office member and organizer of this year's Unity Luncheon. "By drawing on everyone's unique skills and background, we can make our wing stronger and better. This enhances the goal of completing our mission to train and deploy assigned reservists and civilians in support of any Department of Defense mission." 

Col. Michael Popovich, 944th Fighter Wing vice commander, kicked off the luncheon with remarks on the value and importance of our mixed heritage and cultures. 

"Each of you brings unique strengths and talents to this unit and when united together, you provide the 944th Fighter Wing with capability that is second to none in our Air Force," Colonel Popovich said. "I challenge each and every one of you today to meet someone new and learn about their cultural background and way of life outside the gate." 

Entertainment this year was courtesy of the African Association of Arizona. Dr. Olufemi Babarinde of the Thunderbird School of Management, along with six of his global studies students, modeled traditional garb from several African nations, and educated wing members on African customs and culture. 

Pellagia Muliba, of Zimbabwe, solicited audience participation by having two wing members do traditional greetings, African "yodeling", and clapping. 

Dr. Babarinde closed the presentation with an explanation of the African philosophy of Ubuntu--which is the ethic, or humanist philosophy, focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. Ubuntu is seen as a traditional African concept. 

The 944th Services Flight prepared a traditional rice dish to complement the entrées, chicken and catfish. Squadrons brought in ethnic desserts to share with each other. Some of these delicacies were tres leche cake, flan, Indian fry bread with honey, and American cherry pie. 

Several units created table centerpieces to emphasize the part their squadron plays in diversity. The 944th Medical Squadron won the crystal globe award with their creation which highlighted some of the many third-world countries they have assisted during their medical humanitarian tours of duty. 

"We are truly blessed with the level of diversity and extraordinary talent in our organization," Colonel Popovich said. "Thank you for your service, your patriotism and all you do for the 944th Fighter Wing and the United States Air Force."

The Fighter Country Partnership also supported the Unity Lunch with donations that helped pay for momentos for the guests of honor and the crystal globe award.