Celebrating Heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Juan Torres
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Celebrating heritage months provides the opportunity to recognize the complexities and richness of different cultural identities.

African American History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history throughout the month of February.

“I believe African Americans led the way for other minorities to become equal citizens,” Master Sgt. Dennis Valdez, 730th Air Mobility Squadron NCOIC passenger service and African American History Month committee lead. “We owe it to them to for leading different movements and getting us to where we are today.”

Through different scheduled events, Valdez educates people of all age groups on this year’s theme, African Americans in Times of War.

“We’re preparing for an art and essay contest in the schools to
motivate children to learn about the role African Americans played in times of war,” said Valdez. “We’re also conducting seminars at the School Age Program and Youth center to give them a little insight on Tuskegee Airmen”

The Tuskegee Airmen is the popular name of an all-black military pilot group who fought in World War II.

Valdez, who joined the U.S. Air Force in 2000, feels a special connection with the Tuskegee Airmen.

“I’m very proud of the Tuskegee Airmen,” said Valdez, “During my time in Iraq, I was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, which was originally formed by the Tuskegee Airmen. They had such a legacy, and part of me feels like I was honoring that legacy by serving.”

Being part of heritage months allows people to learn about different backgrounds while gaining a better sense of how other cultures came to be over the years.

“The reason why I like these observance months, it’s because it recognizes the achievements of all Americans,” added Valdez.