Remembrance: Celebrate diversity, abolish indifference Published April 24, 2009 By Equal Opportunity Office Equal Opportunity office F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Next week has been designated to remember the more than 6 million victims of Nazi aggression and the Holocaust. The United States Holocaust Museum has selected "Never Again: What You Do Matters" as the theme for this year's Days of Remembrance. This theme is a fitting tribute to the courageous men and women who opposed Nazi oppression more than sixty years ago. This theme is also a fitting tribute to the men and women of Warren, and to those of our team deployed throughout the world still fighting to stop the spread of terrorism and the oppression of freedom. Former Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche said "diversity is a strategy for achieving mission excellence." We need to remember these words every day to prevent another atrocity. It begins with every person on our team who values diversity and equal opportunity. Accepting each person's unique qualities provides new opportunities to learn, increases innovation, strengthens the organization, and employs the most qualified people. We all know the five protected discrimination categories for military members: race, religion, national origin, sex and color. Yet, consider other qualities that also make up our individuality; for example, education level, language, problem solving skills, cultural influences and life experiences. A healthy human relations climate is paramount to positive morale and mission accomplishment. When our own members are feeling ostracized or belittled on the job, they are unable to contribute their best efforts. These uncomfortable feelings could manifest into fear of going to work, a search for a new assignment or even leaving the Air Force. Be observant of how people are treated and correct all violations of the equal opportunity policies. As a wingman, make it a personal goal to help each other maintain a family oriented environment, whether they are your subordinate, coworker or even your supervisor. As we take a moment this month to remind ourselves of the terrible consequences of indifference, let's also remember to take action to maintain positive human relations. Positive human relations make it possible for our organizations and country to confront and work to halt discrimination and crimes against humanity. Remembering those who took a determined stand against the Nazis reminds us of the millions of others who died during the Holocaust without a choice. Whether we are volunteering for a cultural observance, guarding a missile site, maintaining a facility or deploying to a combat a zone, our mission is clear: the men and women of Warren will continue to wage the battle for liberation and the pursuit of justice.