Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Patriot
Vol. 4, No. 17
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Reflecting upon the weather U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Dennis Sloan
A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing sits on the flightline after a rain storm passes May 7, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.
INSIDE
JB Charleston Multicultural Committee: promoting diversity, ethnic education
HOMECOMING 15th AS returns from deployment
By Airman 1st Class Tom Brading Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
See page 5
RIBBON CUTTING WS Library reopens, saves $90,000 See page 6
CHAMPIONS
628th LRS claims soccer championship See page 8
Weekend Weather Update
The United States military is a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds and heritages. To some, the unique nature of the military's mission creates a multicultural stew, with flavors from all over the world. However, according to one Joint Base Charleston committee, the military is more of a tossed salad. Each ingredient unique, yet not completely blending with every flavor of the multicultural salad, creating its own taste and importance to the overall result. The Joint Base Charleston Multicultural Committee, formed in April 2013, has a mission to promote awareness of different cultures while embracing diversity. "The multicultural committee's mission is to enhance cross-cultural awareness and to promote diversity among all military members, civilian employees, family members and retirees," said Tech. Sgt. Terrance Whitehead, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of inspection. "If you have access to the base, want to share your experiences and want to enhance your knowledge base of other cultures, you're welcome to join." Whitehead is currently the president of the JB Charleston Multicultural Committee.
According to Whitehead, it's challenging for us, as a society, to move forward without understanding the various cultures that make us unique. The committee will give everyone, regardless of their background, an opportunity to not only appreciate those differences, but learn from them. A native of Virginia with 17 years of activeduty Air Force service, Whitehead has been able to apply his experiences with other cultures and desire for knowledge, toward his military career. "Whether it’s food, tasting Asian delicacies, or celebrating Hispanic festivals, there is always more we can learn about each other as a society," said Whitehead. "Understanding others, and where they come from, helps me understand myself and what our society can and will be with enhanced cultural awareness." The MCC plans on bringing as many festivals to JB Charleston as possible. Observances are held throughout the year and spotlight different historical heritages: Black History Month (February), National Women's History Month (March), Asian Pacific Heritage Month and Older Americans Month (May), Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and Caribbean Heritage Month (June), Hispanic Heritage Month (September and October), National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October) and
National American Indian Heritage Month (November). "Most of the events throughout the year will be covered," said Whitehead. "But the overall success of all the heritage events is based on maximum participation by our volunteers." Before the formation of the MCC, observances such as the Black History Month Luncheon were held by respective committees dedicated to that individual celebration. The unique nature of the MCC is encompassing other observances and creating sub-committees within themselves, then every observance gets equal and proper attention. According to Whitehead, volunteering to take part in the exciting multicultural awareness and diversity committee will promote its individuals to become better Airmen, Sailors, wingmen, shipmates and leaders. The next MCC event scheduled is Asian Pacific Heritage Month. The event is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Military members, civilian employees, family members and retirees looking to volunteer for the MCC, can contact Tech. Sgt. Terrance Whitehead at 843-963-5208 or email at terrance. whitehead@us.af.mil.
National NMCRS fund drive extended
JB CHS, SC
Friday, May 10
Mostly Sunny
(10% precip)
High 86º Low 68º
Saturday, May 11
Isolated T-Storms (30% precip)
High 82º Low 68º
Sunday, May 12
Thunder Showers (50% precip)
High 77º Low 59º
Story and photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Hallford Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Sailors and Marines onboard Joint Base Charleston ─ Weapons Station have contributed more than $100,000 to the NavyMarine Corps Relief Society 2013 fund drive as of the original fund drive end date of April 30, 2013. The National NMCRS fund drive, started March 1 and has been extended through May 15 to accommodate last-minute donations. With approximately 98 percent of the local contributions received and accounted for, these donations directly benefit active-duty Sailors, Marines, family members and retirees. "I feel confident in commending the many NMCRS fund drive keyworkers throughout the JB Charleston ─ Weapons Station tenant commands," said David Hastings, NMCRS Charleston director. "These keyworkers have performed exemplary in contacting our local Sailors and Marines, encouraging maximum participation to the benefit of this year's drive."
fiscal year 2012. "The NMCRS is the venue for Sailors and Marines to take care of our own," said Navy Lt. William Sever, Naval Support Activity Charleston administrative officer and lead-keyworker for the 2013 fund drive. "Fellow shipmates, if you haven't taken advantage of one of the many opportuniNaval Support Activity Charleston Executive Officer Cmdr. ties to donate, please do. One Marquis Patton (far left) and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society never knows when a finanDirector David Hastings (far right) present certificates of appreciacial crisis will emerge, and tion to 2013 fund drive keyworkers, NSA Charleston Administrative your donation will truly Officer Lt. William Sever, NSA Charleston Command Master Chief help." Billy Cady, and Petty Officers 2nd Class Keith Rollinghoff and For more information Ralph Palmer of Naval Munitions Command. The Charleston area about the Navy-Marine NMCRS fund drive has raised more than $100,000 to directly supCorps Relief Society, includport active-duty Sailors and Marines, their families and retirees. ing an online method for donating, visit www.nmcrsLast year, the National drive raised $9.9 funddrive.org. Other means of donating for million to aid Sailors and Marines while the this year include spot donations at any Navy Charleston NMCRS distributed nearly Exchange or speaking to your command $300,000 in grants, low-interest loans and NMCRS fund drive keyworker. other assistance to local beneficiaries for
See Joint Base Charleston on Facebook! - Follow Discussions, Connect With Your Base! CYAN-AOOO
MAGENTA-OAOO
YELLOW-OOAO
BLACK 01/29/08