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Multicultural festival brings Team Andersen entertainment, education

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Team Andersen celebrated its first multicultural festival May 18 at the Sunrise Conference Center.

The event featured foods, crafts, traditions such as dancing, as well as presentations from various cultures that comprise our wing, military and nation.

"This is a great opportunity to learn about one another and come together," said Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Torres, 36th Wing equal opportunity and event coordinator. "Diversity is about strengthening our team and unleashing potential within an organization."

The festival recognized all Department of Defense special observances to include Holocaust remembrance, woman's history, disability awareness, American Indian, Hispanic heritage, Asian and Pacific islanders, African American and Black history.

"It's important for Team Andersen to learn about the different cultures that make up the Air Force," said 2nd Lt. Chastine Ranada, 36th Communications Squadron officer and a multicultural committee lead.

During the event, Andersen families were welcome to taste traditional cuisine and performances ranged from the Haka war dance of New Zealand to a skit performed by the African-American Heritage Association.

Sergeant Torres said she was more than happy with the turn out and was glad the event was such a success.

"It's all about diversity, inclusion, education and cultural awareness," continued Sergeant Torres. "Events like this are important because people can experience the history of different cultures."