No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Reserve & National Guard

Equality without exception: National Guard celebrates Pride Month

National Guard Bureau
by National Guard Bureau
June 30, 2023
Pride Month

Rep. Mark Takano, of California’s 39th District, speaks to airmen about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion on June 20 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Photo by Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of military values and precisely what they defend.

That is according to California Rep. Mark Takano, who spoke during a Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, panel discussion June 20.

Takano emphasized the sacrifices made by service members while serving during a time that devotion may not have been reciprocated.

“I talk about the sacrifices of service members who serve with courage and passion for a country that did not always love them in turn at the time,” said Takano. “Your job is to create the space for Americans to serve in the military without discrimination, without harassment and to value all Americans’ contributions.”

Airmen with the Diversity and Inclusion Office at the Air National Guard Readiness Center extended the invitation to Takano, who is the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress and serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

RELATED: LGBTQ recruiting efforts receive positive marks

The panel discussion was in recognition of Pride Month, a June observance that honors the historic riots of June 1969 at New York City’s Stonewall Inn, which played a vital role in propelling the global gay rights movement forward. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prohibited gays, lesbians and bisexuals from openly serving in the armed forces, was repealed by Congress in 2010, effective in 2011.

Takano emphasized the significance of holding individuals accountable for derogatory and abusive behavior toward others and affirmed that diversity, equity and inclusion should permeate all areas of military service.

Acknowledging the gradual nature of change, Takano commended service members for facilitating progress by embracing change and nurturing a dynamic force through recruitment, development and retention.

“You do that every time you take in a group of young people and you make them into service members,” said Takano. “You make them more disciplined. You give them more capacity to be able to make the right choices. And so, ultimately, I think you all have to believe in change as well.”

Service members should feel empowered to openly express their identities and address their challenges without fear of discrimination or retaliation, said Takano.

Senior Master Sgt. Heather Anderson, noncommissioned officer in charge, Organizational Assessment National Guard Bureau/Air National Guard Manpower and Personnel, said it was important for leaders to monitor congressional activity that holistically impacts the lives of their Airmen and Soldiers.

“Diversity encompasses not only the LGBTQ+ community but also different cultural backgrounds,” said Anderson. “When we blend these different perspectives, we gain the opportunity to learn from each other and grow collectively. It is vital to recognize that our diverse backgrounds contribute equally to the mission.

“Our success is driven by our people — embracing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences contributes significant value to the force by fostering enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.”

The congressman reminded the Airmen of their duty to their state and country.

“You’re defending American ideals and it’s important that you continue to instill the leadership and ideals of the nation in the service members that serve our military,” Takano said. “I would say those ideals are summed up in the title of the theme, “Equality Without Exception, Pride in All Who Serve.”

This article was written by Air Force Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler, National Guard Bureau.

Read comments
Tags: DADTDADT RepealDon't Ask Don't TellLGBTQNational GuardPride MonthRep. Mark TakanoStonewallStonewall Inn
National Guard Bureau

National Guard Bureau

Related Posts

Massachusetts guard officer shows perseverance in 7th Boston Marathon

by Maggie BenZvi
2 weeks ago
0
boston marathon uniform division

On mile 20, Capt. Kanwar Singh got a cramp. It was the seventh time Singh, the battalion signal officer for...

Read more

‘Adrenaline Rush’ author tells ‘under told’ story of female veterans 

by Amanda Huffman
4 months ago
0
female veterans

Despite an increase of female veterans, an Army and Air National Guard veteran said their story remains untold.

Read more

Army Reserve Ambassador Program connects military, community

by Amy Bushatz
5 months ago
0
ambassador program

An Army Reserve ambassador program designed for relationship building and recruitment is seeking veterans and civilians to volunteer.

Read more

Branson announces never-before-seen lineup of events for its ‘Hero’s Welcome Home’

by U.S. Military Publishing, LLC
9 months ago
0

A free tribute event held earlier this year for America's heroes will return in 2025 with an impressive lineup. Branson...

Read more

Cross Hawaii off your bucket list with Hale Koa

by Marisa Palmieri Shugrue
1 year ago
0
Hale Koa

One military benefit makes going to Hawaii more doable for an average family, especially if you want to visit Hale...

Read more

Retired Marine reflects on giving away 20 million event tickets 

by Teal Yost
1 year ago
0
Vet Tix

Vet Tix, the second largest veteran service organization in the U.S., marked a milestone of giving back to the military...

Read more

Let's get social

The RNG Drill

News delivered directly to your inbox

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL
  • GET THE NEWSLETTER

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC/NONPROFITS

SUBMISSIONS

  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • PITCH US

Never miss out on the latest stories.

© 2023 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

No Result
View All Results
  • NEWS
  • YOUR CAREER
    • UNIT TRAINING
    • DEPLOYMENT
    • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    • RECRUITING & RETENTION
    • ENTREPRENEUR
    • TRANSITION
  • EDUCATION
  • MILITARY LIFE
    • MILITARY SPOUSES
    • MILITARY KIDS
    • PARENTING
  • OFF DUTY
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
    • FITNESS
    • MEDICINE
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • HISTORY
  • MONEY
    • PERSONAL FINANCE
    • BENEFITS
  • GET THE MAGAZINE
    • PRINT MAGAZINES
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINES
    • GET THE NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • OUR AUTHORS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
    • PITCH US
    • CONTACT

© 2024 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Site by SCBW

No Result
View All Results
  • NEWS
  • YOUR CAREER
    • UNIT TRAINING
    • DEPLOYMENT
    • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    • RECRUITING & RETENTION
    • ENTREPRENEUR
    • TRANSITION
  • EDUCATION
  • MILITARY LIFE
    • MILITARY SPOUSES
    • MILITARY KIDS
    • PARENTING
  • OFF DUTY
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
    • FITNESS
    • MEDICINE
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • HISTORY
  • MONEY
    • PERSONAL FINANCE
    • BENEFITS
  • GET THE MAGAZINE
    • PRINT MAGAZINES
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINES
    • GET THE NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • OUR AUTHORS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
    • PITCH US
    • CONTACT

© 2024 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Site by SCBW