WASHINGTON - Respect is the key to success when serving on any team or wherever each of us serve in our lives, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry Dean at the Air National Guard's annual Black History Month program held here Feb. 6.
Dean, who is the Air Force deputy inspector general, talked about his upbringing in Texas and the pride that he has in our country before reciting a quote from President Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream."
The quote is: "How can we expect anyone of any race or nationality to respect other people, if they don't respect themselves."
Dean closed his presentation by profiling heroes from the past and the present, who exemplify the program's theme "Diversity Transition." He included African Americans, who served in the Army's "Triple Nickel," the "Redball Express" and the Buffalo Soldiers.
The event recognized several National Guard's "firsts," and an exhibit of poetry, essays and art by local students.
The program began with comments from retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel James, former director of the Air National Guard. "Black History is not solely about the celebration in America, but more an opportunity to educate the majority about some of the things that blacks have done to help build this great nation."
The distinguished guests included: The Honorable Robert R. Rigsby, a local superior court judge; Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau; Air Force Maj. Gen. Buddy Titshaw, deputy director of the Air National Guard; Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon, assistant adjutant general of Maryland; and Chief Master Sgt. Sandy Ware, a wounded warrior from Walter Reed Medical Center.