Promoting Positive Human Relations in the 908th Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Toni Page
  • 908th Airlift Wing

The purpose of the AF Equal Opportunity (EO) Program is to prohibit and eradicate all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and reprisal, and to foster a positive human relations climate, which promotes the full realization of equality of opportunity to all. EO seeks to make all efforts to eliminate unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment against military personnel, family members and retirees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation and sexual preference. But this mission is not strictly for EO! It is the responsibility of all Airmen to work to foster a positive human relations climate so that each member of the 908th AW has the opportunity to serve and thrive. How can the Airmen of the 908th AW foster a positive human relations climate? We must commit to championing the Air Force Core Values, maintain mission focus and emphasize effective communication within our work centers. 

Upon entry into the United States Air Force, each Airmen pledges to uphold the Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. “INTEGRITY FIRST” requires that Airmen serve with strong moral conviction and do the right thing even when no one is watching. “SERVICE BEFORE SELF” signifies that an Airman’s professional duties take priority over their personal desires. “EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO” means that Airmen continuously seek opportunities to improve self and service performance. Our Core Values are a common bond that unifies us all. Unity within our ranks positively impacts the human relations climate of the 908th AW. 

Airman must have a clear understanding of their mission and maintain mission focus. The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace. The mission of the 908th Airlift Wing is to recruit, organize and train Air Force reservists to provide unrivaled theater airlift and flexible combat support across the spectrum of military operations. Focusing our efforts on accomplishing these missions lends to teamwork. When we work together as a team for a common goal, morale increases and improves the 908th AW human relations climate.   

The Airman of the 908th AW must utilize effective communication. Communication is the process of sharing ideas, information, and messages with others; effective communication is the ability to communicate accurately and efficiently. In simple words, it is nothing but the presentation of views by the sender in a way best understood by the receiver. Effectively communicating your intent and ideas so that others understand your message and act on it is one of the primary qualities of leadership. That’s right! Effective communication lends to Airmen leadership development! The Air Force Handbook (https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/Portals/1/Documents/AFH1.pdf) is an excellent source for increased understanding of effective communication. Effective communication between Airmen is vital to promoting the full realization of equality of opportunity to all.

Every Airmen is charged to make the effort to eradicate all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and reprisal, and to foster a positive human relations climate, which promotes the full realization of equality of opportunity to all. We have a responsibility to eliminate unfair treatment and enact positive change to ensure equality for all Airmen. We must continue our efforts to foster a positive human relations climate within the 908th AW by upholding the Air Force Core Values, maintaining mission focus and emphasizing effective communication within our work centers. Contact Master Sgt. Toni Page, 908th AW/EO at toni.page.1@us.af.mil or DSN: 493-3064/Comm: 334-953-3064 with any questions you have regarding Equal Opportunity.