Hanscom’s Equal Opportunity Office will celebrate Diversity Day Published March 17, 2009 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Top Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command officials recently addressed the vitality of appreciating diversity. In a Feb. 17, Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley said, "The strength of the Air Force comes from our people -- and in large measure from our diversity. We join together from all walks of life to collectively serve our Nation and its flag. "We respect and embrace the diversity of our teammates -- recognizing that all are important, and all are valued," he said. "Our varied backgrounds and skill sets have prepared us to meet any challenge the Air Force may confront." At a commander's call held March 11, during his visit to Hanscom, AFMC Commander Gen. Donald J. Hoffman said he wants all members of the command to embrace diversity. "Diversity, and embracing diversity, gives us strength," he said. "Where diversity is not embraced, there is going to be conflict." To celebrate diversity appreciation in the Hanscom community, the Equal Opportunity Office will sponsor two Diversity Day presentations, held March 26, in the O'Neill Auditorium. The Honorable Ken Chu, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission administrative judge will offer a morning and an afternoon session discussing the Americans with Disabilities Act, American with Disabilities Act amendment and performance issues with people with disabilities. The Hanscom community is invited to attend the presentations; the morning session will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session, designed for supervisors, will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for supervisors. For more information contact the EO Office at (781) 377-3783.