Courtesy Photo | Debra Hall, Defense Contract Management Agency St. Louis contract administrator;...... read more read more
Subscribe
ST. LOUIS - Forty local Defense Contract Management Agency team members recently came together to celebrate National African American History Month here. DCMA Boeing St. Louis hosted the event to commemorate American heroes and experience the 2015 theme, “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.”
Navy Cmdr. James Wong, DCMA Boeing St. Louis executive officer, began the festivities by discussing the significant contributions of African Americans who have helped shape our culture, the Department of Defense and our nation. He then introduced the event’s guest speaker Army Lt. Col. Kim Thomas, DCMA St. Louis commander.
Thomas commands a streamlined geographical CMO that manages approximately 195 contractors spread throughout multiple states including Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, covering approximately 96,750 square miles.
During her remarks, Thomas provided a personal testimony about the importance of celebrating African-American achievement. “Black History Month represents freedom in the sense that I have the right to become anything I choose. I have been fortunate in my life and have had a great number of wonderful opportunities. My life experiences have allowed me to appreciate the price that it took to have these life experiences.
“Many sacrifices were made for my present-day rights and it is a constant reminder to continue remembering our history all year long. Black history is essential to American History and must be shared not only with other Americans, but also the world,” continued Thomas, who ended her speech with a poem by Maya Angelou.
Kathy Berti, DCMA Boeing St. Louis deputy commander, then presented Thomas with a certificate of appreciation and a commander’s coin. “It is important that we take the time to reflect on our African-American history,” said Berti, thanking Thomas for her insights. “Today’s celebration exemplifies how barriers have been broken, and afforded us an opportunity to honor noteworthy contributions that have been made to our society within the agency and Department of Defense.”
Jo Anne Hamilton Parks, DCMA Boeing St. Louis contracts director and winner of the 2014 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for 30 years of honorable government and community service, shared her thoughts on the event, “Our country owes so much to all who have contributed and sacrificed to the greatness of this nation.”
While light refreshments were served, a rolling presentation was displayed courtesy of Pier Poe, DCMA Boeing St. Louis Special Emphasis program manager. The presentation highlighted African Americans who made major advancements in civil rights, science, government, sports and entertainment during the past ten years.
The next day, employees from both CMOs attended BIG’s 11th Annual Observance of African American History Month and Training Program, which the Office of Personal Management recognizes as an organizational event that is dedicated to promoting diversity training opportunities, well-being, education and professional development within the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
“I was deeply impressed by the level of speakers and presenters,” said Rutha Lawrence, DCMA Boeing St. Louis contract administrator. “The information I found was not only enlightening to me, but to anyone in any capacity of work. From my interactions with other attendees from every background, we determined this seminar to be one of the best that we have ever attended. The day started with a celebration of our heritage. I even surprised myself when I sang from memory ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ But singing, it filled my soul with such pride and reverence of my forefathers. It’s funny, how a little song could do that.”
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2015 10:16 |
| Story ID: | 157631 |
| Location: | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 569 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, St. Louis DCMA office honors African-American achievement, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
