Equal Opportunity ensures equal treatment at Grissom

Published April 18, 2018
By Senior Airman Cali Elliott
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The Equal Opportunity office works to maintain mission readiness by ensuring that everyone is treated equally, regardless of a variety of protected categories, and now Airmen have the opportunity to be a part of the EO mission.

“Joining the EO office not only ensures the wing’s mission continues to progress, but it is also a great way to improve personal and professional development in an Airman’s career,” said Tech. Sgt. Nelson Otano, 434th Air Refueling Wing knowledge operations technician.

The office, who is now looking for qualified candidates, helps Airmen accomplish the mission without the worry of personal, social and institutional barriers.

“We want to make sure everyone is at peak performance,” said 1st Lt. Martin Valadez, 434th ARW EO officer. “We make sure people are being treated the way they are supposed to, so they can focus on their job and not the ill feelings they may have because of a certain situation.”

The EO office strongly emphasizes that every Airman has a voice and is entitled to fair rights and fair treatment. Even if an Airman is unsure about a situation, the EO office is there to be a listening ear and to help resolve any potential discrimination issues.

“If Airmen have a problem and they don’t feel like anyone’s listening, it just makes matters worse,” said Valadez. “We are all humans and we all want to be heard.”

The members of the EO office take great pride in their work and find fulfillment in knowing they are working toward a better Air Force. They are currently looking for like-minded Airmen who are looking for the opportunity to help others while progressing in their careers.

“I get to take positive steps to end discrimination,” said Otano. “It’s an amazing feeling getting to help my fellow wingmen.”

The EO traditional reservists share the same duties as an active duty component. They manage programs, resolve issues regarding EO and spread the word to make everyone in the Air Force a cohesive unit.

For prior service Airmen and officers interested in becoming involved with EO, it begins with a shadowing observation period for potential candidates in their work place. After that phase, they are sent to formal training for six weeks at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Once they have completed training, they automatically become a seven skill level. It opens doors to many opportunities down the road, such as becoming great candidates for First Sergeants.

“You learn not just about your career, but yourself during this training,” said Valadez. “It helps you open up to other people and other cultures. Overall it’s an amazing experience.”

For more information about the EO Office, contact Otano in the EO office at 668-2296 or Valadez at 688-3278.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Equal Opportunity ensures equal treatment at Grissom

Public Affairs Staff