MacDill celebrates MLK Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Each year, the 6th Air Mobility Wing (AMW) makes it a priority to set aside time to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his sacrifice for equality. Due to the actual day, January 18, being a federal holiday Team MacDill held a Martin Luther King Jr. Special Observance event in the base chapel on January 15, 2016, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

The event coordinator, Master Sgt. William Wilson III, Quality Assurance Chief Instructor with the 6th Maintenance Group, arranged for a snippet of King's "I have a dream" speech to be recited, a guest speaker, and free food to be available for those in attendance. Additionally, students from Tinker K-8 provided artwork of what they think MLK Day represents.

"The purpose of the event is to spread awareness of what it is all about," said Wilson. "We want to talk about equality and diversity and showcase art from different perspectives."

The selected guest speaker happened to be someone who is no stranger to MacDill and its mission. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley served as the command chief of the 6th AMW from 2008-2011. According to Wilson, Crowley was highly respected and a great mentor to Airmen during his time at MacDill so it was an easy decision.

The focus of Crowley's speech was diversity and equality. Throughout his speech he referenced Dr. King's fight for racial equality. He said that who you are will always be more important than what you do.

"What will matter is not your success, but your significance," said Crowley. "Not your competence, but your character."

Following the guest speaker some words by Dr. King were read to the audience.

To conclude the event, following the Dr. King reading, Col. Reginald Godbolt, commander of the 6th Maintenance Group, gave the closing remarks and presented Crowley with a gift for his words of inspiration.