SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Performers showcase traditional Hispanic dances during the fourth annual Diversity Day celebration at Club Eifel here Aug. 23. Diversity Day raises awareness about the importance of intercultural diversity and combating stereotypes to improve cooperation among people from different cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – U.S. Air Forces in Europe band Touch ‘n Go performs during the fourth annual Diversity Day celebration outside Club Eifel here Aug. 23. Diversity Day raises awareness about the importance of intercultural diversity and combating stereotypes to improve cooperation among people from different cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Maj. Justice Sakyi, 52nd Medical Group Information Systems Flight commander, fries a plantain as a sample of Ghana’s culinary culture during the fourth annual Diversity Day celebration at Club Eifel here Aug. 23. Diversity Day raises awareness about the importance of intercultural diversity and combating stereotypes to improve cooperation among people from different cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A carved watermelon rests at the Thailand culture booth during the fourth annual Diversity Day celebration inside Club Eifel here Aug. 23. Diversity Day raises awareness about the importance of intercultural diversity and combating stereotypes to improve cooperation among people from different cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Diversity Day participants represent their heritage in a parade outside of Club Eifel here Aug. 23. Diversity Day raises awareness about the importance of intercultural diversity and combating stereotypes to improve cooperation among people from different cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)
by Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/23/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The fourth annual Diversity Day celebration took place at Club Eifel here Aug. 23.
This year's motto was "United Despite Uniqueness," and the event showcased 17 different cultures.
Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, signed the Diversity Day proclamation to kick off the event. The proclamation identified that mutual respect is fundamental for Airmen to defend American and allied interests, win the fight, develop and care for those Airmen and their families, and positively represent America and partner nations.
"Diversity Day is a great representation of the Air Force today," he said. "We all serve as one team of 330,000 Airmen, and we operate as one family despite our different cultures, backgrounds and mindsets."
Senior Airman Derek Cruz, 52nd Communications Squadron and event participant, said that he enjoys such events because they offer a comprehensive opportunity to experience all the different cultures that make up the Air Force.
"It brings the best of all of us together," he said. "Diversity is the baseline of America and especially in the Air Force. We're able to gather our strengths from every culture to make the best team possible.
"Diversity Day also breaks some stereotypes or clichés people may have about different cultures," he continued. "And it's a great opportunity to share and really learn about the people you work with."
More than 400 base members attended the event, to include civic leaders from within the German community.
Lothar Herres, Host Nation Council in Bitburg manager, said Diversity Day is a good way to bring together Airmen who come from locations throughout the entire world. While here, these many-faceted people work hand-in-hand with the Germans to strengthen the bond and partnership between the two countries.
"As a German, I see Americans as our neighbors," he said. "I don't see the difference in backgrounds, I just see you all as one big family."
