GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – The 17th Training Wing celebrated Goodfellow’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Day event held in the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy high bay, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 28.

“An all-volunteer military must represent the country it defends,” said Lt. Col. Erwin ‘EJ’ Mason, 316th Training Squadron commander. “It will strengthen our values to diversity and inclusion, and continue to treat each other with dignity and respect.”

DEI brings people from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and religions together and creates an environment where all can feel equal.

Members of the 17th TRW came out to participate in cultural performances, a car smash, and 17 DEI initiative booths. Leadership teams partook in a leadership challenge obstacle course, where two members worked together to reach a common goal.

Building a team starts with recognizing the different strengths that every person brings to the force.

“Today’s military isn’t built on technology nor lethality,” said Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander. “Our greatest strength is our people. As a military, we benefit from all the diverse backgrounds and geographic locations we come from across the world.”

Editor’s note: This article was published October 31, 2022, by Airman 1st Class Sarah Williams