News>Icemen honor contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Story at a Glance
• "Even he knew he could not do it alone. Team work makes the dream work," said Lee.
Photos
Airmen watch a video presented by the African American Heritage Committee during the Martin Luther King, Jr., breakfast at the Yukon Club Jan. 29, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The event paid tribute to King and informed base personnel of the events to celebrate African American Heritage month in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
U.S. Air Force Col. Jay Aanrud, 354th Fighter Wing vice commander, shares the experience he had while visiting the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, D.C., to the Iceman Team during a MLK breakfast at the Yukon Club Jan. 29, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Audience members listened to the famous “I Have a Dream” speech and learned about upcoming events to celebrate African American Heritage Month in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Fields, 354th Force Support Squadron career support technician, collects food during an African American Heritage Committee Soul Food Luncheon Jan. 25, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Some of the luncheon’s proceeds will fund various African American Heritage Month events, to include the children's essay and drawing contest prizes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
Pamela Foster, African American Heritage Committee volunteer and wife of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Foster, 354th Medical Group superintendent, prepares a lunch container during an AAHC Soul Food Luncheon Jan. 25, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The Eielson AAHC began fundraising efforts and volunteering at area homeless shelters in December to raise awareness for African American history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Giselle Moody, 354th Medical Group NCO in charge of education and training, prepares a to-go lunch during an African American Heritage Committee Soul Food Luncheon Jan. 25, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The AAHC raised money to host events during African American Heritage Month and Finding Alternatives In Treating Homeless Military Veterans, a local charity. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Terrell Kelley, 354th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of family health, prepares food during an African American Heritage Committee Soul Food Luncheon Jan. 25, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. AAHC assembled approximately 175 take-out lunches for the Iceman community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson)
by Senior Airman Racheal E. Watson
354 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/30/2013 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Members of the Iceman Team assembled to honor the bravery and conviction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the 2013 Eielson Air Force Base African American History breakfast Jan. 29 at the Yukon Club.
The Eielson African American Heritage Council is holding events throughout the month of February to educate Icemen and their families.
"Today we come together to celebrate a life of a man that had a dream that all men, no what matter their ethical background, could come together and be treated as equals," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Lee, 354th Force Support Squadron superintendent. "Dr. King was a man who stood 5 feet 6 inches tall, but to a nation his mere presence made him larger than life."
Icemen listened and watched a slideshow presentation showing the triumphs and uphill battles of Dr. King.
"Even he knew he could not do it alone. Team work makes the dream work," said Lee. "As you look around the room, it takes each and every one of us working together to make the vision here at Eielson Air Force Base happen."
Col. Jay Aanrud, 354th Fighter Wing vice commander, reminded the Icemen to bask in the wise words of Dr. King, words we need to pay attention to today and always.
Senior Master Sgt. Andrea Lee, AAHC project manager, suggests Icemen to educate themselves about the impacts and sacrifices African American's have made throughout our nation's history by reading books, watching movies and asking questions.
AAHC has events scheduled throughout February to raise African American Heritage awareness, to include a jazz and poetry night, book readings, movie nights, luncheons and a spin class at the fitness center.
For more information or questions concerning the monthly events, members can contact Senior Master Sgt. Andrea Lee at 377-3652 or by e-mail.
