LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Troops from 3rd Infantry Division, 3d Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) held a African American History Month observance ceremony at Tactical Base Gamberi Feb. 7, 2015.
The ceremony was an opportunity for troops in Train, Advise, Assist Command - East to remember and honor the history and progress of civil rights, and also celebrate the accomplishments of notable African American leaders in U.S. history.
Staff Sgt. Addren Johnson, a 3rd ID member of TAAC-E, said AAHM is important, "to show that wherever you are in your life you can make it no matter the color of a person's skin." Johnson added, "It's important to look back so that we can find ourselves when we get lost and know that as a people can accomplish great things."
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Command Sgt. Maj. John Lambert, the Task Force Tiger, 1st Squadron, 3rd CR Command Sergeant Major. In his speech, Lambert shed light on his personal and professional experiences as a African American in the U.S. Army. His story is one of trial and continuous determination throughout his life and career. As he concluded his speech, Lambert encouraged troops to continue working hard to achieve their goals.
Next, troops lined up behind the podium to take their turn in a thought-provoking exercise that encouraged reflection in highlighting the achievements of notable African American figures in U.S. history. Each Soldier started with the question, "Who am I?" The troops then detailed the life stories of a chosen figure, to include trials, achievements and obstacles overcome. Only at the end of their statement did they reveal the name of their individual.
Staff Sgt. Tiera Stanley, a 3rd ID Soldier assigned to TAAC-E, chose Maya Angelou as her African American figure. Angelou has been an important person in Stanley's life since she was 11-years old and learned the poem "Phenomenal Woman" written by Angelou. "I never forgot it," Stanley said, adding, "The poem depicts the true beauty of a woman, it's very uplifting. That is what Maya Angelou was able to achieve, she uplifted people and gave them a sense of confidence, pride and hope through her poems and work."
Johnson chose Jesse Blayton Sr. as his notable figure. Blayton is known as the first African-American to own and operate a radio station in the U.S., and his accomplishments resonate with Johnson. "Whatever you want to accomplish, you can; if you have the right attitude and determination you can be successful in all of you ventures whether in the military or as a civilian," Johnson said.
Regarding the program at TB Gamberi, Johnson said, "It was a nice celebration of African Americans both past and current." Johnson added that the best part of the ceremony was bringing people together because Soldiers of various ethnicities played parts in the exercise highlighting notable African American figures.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of cake by Lambert and 1st Sgt. Eriq Brown, the TAAC-E Mayor Cell first sergeant assigned to 3rd CR.
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