JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia community celebrated and recognized National African American History Month during February 2019 with events highlighting Martin Luther King Jr. and the various accomplishments and contributions to the military from African Americans.
The 2019 theme for NAAHM was, “Black Migrations,” which highlights the challenges and successes of African Americans as they moved from the South to the North, Midwest, and West, and especially the migrations that occurred in the twentieth century.
President Donald Trump said in his proclamation on Jan. 31, 2019, “National African American History Month is a call to each and every citizen of our great land to reflect on the cultural, scientific, political, and economic contributions of African Americans, which are woven throughout American society. We remember, learn from, and build on the past, so that, together, we can build a better and more prosperous future for all Americans.”
Ezekiel Whaley
Ezekiel Whaley is a Specialist with the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Trans. Brigade. As a cargo specialist, he handles and transports cargo containing equipment and supplies utilizing trains, vessels and aircraft.
When asked why he enjoys serving in the U.S. Army, he said, “I like the diversity, mostly. Getting to meet new people and experiencing different cultures. You can learn a lot about people from all areas from around the world, that’s probably what I like most about it.”
According to Whaley, the diversity he is able to enjoy in the Army is a result of American culture breaking racial barriers during the Civil Rights Movement that is now celebrated and remembered during African American History Month.
“You can remember what your people did so we can have a better future,” he said. “Rather than us celebrating it, I look at it more of like, ‘don’t forget what we went through to get to this point.’ We can celebrate it too, but I think it’s more for remembering what happened so we can appreciate it more.”
Liberty
Liberty is a Senior Airman with the 17th Intelligence Squadron. As a targeting analyst, her duty is to locate and assess possible threats downrange.
Coming from a military family, Liberty chose to follow in her father’s footsteps and promised him she would join the U.S. Air Force.
“He told me that the Air Force was the best branch,” she said. “But, I think I’ve made the right choice. It’s been an amazing experience so far.”
When asked why NAAHM is important, she said, “[It’s] a great basis for the start of school age kids. I think having the month carved out allows especially African American children to learn about their heritage.”
Robert Malsby
Robert Malsby is a Specialist with the 690th RPOE, 832nd Trans. Btn., 597th Trans. Bde. As a motor transport operator, he moves logistics and supplies to Soldiers on the frontline who are in need of support such as food, water, ammo or gear.
Malsby says the Army has helped establish a standard for his life and has helped him become a better person. Since marrying his wife, Malsby utilizes the medical resources provided by the Army to get the required treatment his wife needs.
When asked what he thought NAAHM means to him, Malsby reflected on his fellow Soldiers who face obstacles and adversity every day.
“To me, it’s really about recognizing a lot of the Soldiers and what they do throughout the day and how they are able to overcome certain obstacles in their life, not only in the service but also when it comes to their civilian life and in their communities,” he said.
Toure Lyle
Toure Lyle, now serves as a Master Sergeant with the Air Combat Command Air Operations Squadron. As a cyber security section chief, his duty is to ensure individuals are following proper procedures when it comes to cyber security.
Like many other enlistees, Lyle joined the Air Force for a change in pace and scenery.
“I’ve been able to travel and see different things I’d never thought I would see before,” he said. “I’ve gotten to meet so many different people. I’ve gotten to do things and be a part of things that I never could have imagined being a part of.”
Lyle believes National African American History month provides service members time to come together, be a part of something bigger than themselves and reflect on America’s history.
“It’s a month to remember the great history that we have and the great things that we’ve accomplished as African Americans,” he said. “That inspires me because I know that there is so much more that we can do.”
Shelton Alexander
Shelton Alexander is a Sergeant with the 690th RPOE, 832nd Trans. Btn., 597th Trans. Bde. As a motor transport specialist, he provides support to units by moving cargo to and from designated locations ensuring they have the necessary equipment, vehicles, food, water and gear to accomplish the mission.
When asked why he chose the Army and why he stays in, he said, “I love the camaraderie. I love the ability to get people together from all walks of life and come together and complete a mission, no matter big or small.”
The camaraderie that Alexander speaks of, Americans standing together to accomplish a mission, can be traced back to the Civil Rights Movement where Americans of all races and genders stood against social injustices.
“Black History Month, to me, means to look back and reflect on what African Americans have contributed to the United States of America through inventions and Civil Rights,” he said. “We as a people need to move forward and learn to love one another, not by the color of our skin but by the content of our hearts.”
Shirley Taylor
Shirley Taylor is a Master Sergeant with the 633rd Medical Group. As the NCO in charge of the ophthalmology clinic, she leads the clinic as they take care of patients that have optical health concerns.
Taylor is part of a legacy of military family members; her grandfather, father, stepfather, brother and sister all joined the Air Force.
“[The Air Force] has given me many opportunities to learn and meet new people and cultures,” she said.
February is about remembering the history of all cultures and their struggle for equality, said Taylor.
“[This month] ignites the spark for knowledge,” she said. “We’ve made so many strides in history and I think that thirst for knowledge and to learn what we have contributed to society, I am here to provide that.”
Dominic Johnson
Dominic Johnson is a Sergeant with the 690th RPOE, 832nd Trans. Btn., 597th Trans. Bde. Johnson is a motor transport specialist who supports the Soldiers on the frontline by providing the transportation of food, water, ammo and gear.
“We transport from our end to the frontline and that is a very important task,” he said. “If an infantry unit is [running low] on ammo, we have to pick up more ammo and transport it to them, so they can continue the mission and continue the fight.”
For Johnson, NAAHM is a way to pay homage to people like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman.
“[African American History Month] affects the rest of the world because it shows the courage that people had in the past and what it takes to prove a point, especially with the unfair and unjust things that were happening during that time,” he said. “Those people took the initiative to do something for the greater good for the future.”
Shawnda Allen
Shawnda Allen is a Staff Sergeant with Air Force Office of Special Investigations. As a client systems administrator, Allen provides informational technology support, ensuring all systems and databases are operational to all OSI units east of the Mississippi.
When asked what she enjoys the most about the Air Force, she said, “because I have been stationed here for so long, it’s been the people. Just meeting new people and experiencing different opinions and different cultures has been the best part so far.”
Allen hopes that this year’s theme, “Black Migration” will start a conversation highlighting how resilient, as a whole, African Americans truly are. “We also show people that we have had our issues and obstacles, but that we’ve also achieved so much and, in the future, we have to look forward to that.”
Along with discussing the future, Allen sees NAAHM as a learning opportunity for all.
“It’s a learning month for a lot of us, it’s one of those times where we can sit back and think about what our ancestors had to endure,” she said. “We also have to teach our kids and the generations to follow that, ‘Hey, this is where we come from but this is also what we need to do to further advance ourselves as African Americans.’”
Reflecting on the contributions and remembering the past in hopes of a better future, JBLE service members honored all African Americans, including those who serve alongside them, during the month of February.