ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 25, 2015) -- In celebration of February as African American/Black History Month, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach's Equal Opportunity advisers hosted a ceremony Thursday at the Von Steuben Community Center at Bismarck Kaserne.
The event, co-hosted by the garrison and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, featured opening remarks by Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander, and a speech by 2nd Lt. Elie M. Regis, executive officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12th CAB.
"Today we celebrate the courage and leadership that has empowered generations of African Americans to answer the call to duty in defense of the American way of life," said Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander.
Regis, the guest speaker, was born in Haiti and moved to the U.S. as a young child. He joined the Junior ROTC in high school. After high school, his military career included service as both an active-duty and reserve Soldier. In 2014 he earned a degree in information technology and received his commission as an active-duty officer.
"It does not matter what the color of your skin is or where you come from," said Regis. "We must learn to be comfortable with our physical differences in order to accept each other as fellow human beings and brothers and sisters."
After Regis spoke, students from Illesheim Elementary School read personal essays.
Following the essays, Benson and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Kiefer, USAG Ansbach command sergeant major, recognized Regis and the Illesheim Elementary School students for their efforts at the ceremony. Regis ceremonially cut the cake for the attendees.
To learn more about USAG Ansbach's Equal Opportunity program, visit www.ansbach.army.mil/DirectoryE.html#EOA or select "USAG Ansbach Equal Opportunity advisers" in the "Related Links" section on this page.
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach official blog site
USAG Ansbach Equal Opportunity advisers
USAG Ansbach official Flickr page
USAG Ansbach, 12th CAB co-host celebration of African-American history photo album
USAG Ansbach official Twitter feed
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