Commentary: EO mantra — All individuals have human dignity, worth

Typically, no one wakes up in the morning with a plan to derail the mission, fail or be seen negatively. No one wants to feel excluded or uncomfortable. The importance of mission readiness and capability are stressed at every level; from supervisor to commander.

Equal Opportunity violations detract from mission readiness. Using derogatory terms, making jokes or comments based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability or engaging in sexual harassment essentially says, “I don’t respect you.” The Department of Defense Human Goals states, “Our nation was founded on the principle that individuals have human dignity and worth.” To treat others with less is unacceptable.

Since the merger of Military Equal Opportunity with the Equal Opportunity Office in July 2008, our program serves DoD civilians, applicants to DoD civil service, military members, retirees, dependents, and guard and reserve on Title 10 orders. Our program works best proactively through Commander’s Calls, focus groups, communication and team building exercises, individual training, and those “beloved” mandatory training sessions. Repetition helps memory — and the important principles we teach.

Communication, trust, and erosion of “team” are the majority of reasons people seek assistance from our office. Managers and supervisors can eradicate issues by keeping communication open, reenergizing their teams, recognizing people informally via a simple “Thank you,” and formally by transparent decisions that are consistent and fair.

Our office is located in Bldg. 600, Room 1029 on the first floor. We are here to improve mission readiness by providing an environment free of unlawful discrimination and/or sexual harassment, thereby creating an environment where individuals may rise to the highest level or responsibility possible based only on merit, fitness and capability.

Remember, we are in the A.I.R.F.O.R.C.E — All Individuals Realize Functional Organizations Really Change Everything.

We are the best Air Force in the world because we embrace diversity with global impact.