Equal opportunity ensures dignity, respect for all Airmen

U.S. Air Force Maj. Brady Shagena of the 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, renders his first salute to his unit during an assumption of command ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Dec. 7, 2024. During the ceremony, the new commander is traditionally saluted by the Airmen of the unit after officially being installed as the new leader. U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. CHELSEA E. FITZPATRICK

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan Amara, left, deputy commander of the 127th Air Refueling Group, Michigan Air National Guard, hands the guidon to Maj. Andrew Pomorski, right, commander of the 191st Maintenance Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan Dec. 7, 2024. Pomorski took command of the 191st Maintenance Squadron, dedicated to maintaining a fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers. U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JACOB HESSEN

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By Master Sgt. Chelsea E. FitzPatrick

127th Wing Public Affairs

The Department of Defense is committed to ensuring all service members are treated with dignity and respect, and that they are afforded equal opportunities and the right to a prejudice-free environment.

Ensuring we can recruit and retain diverse talent to support a lethal force and mission readiness.

At the 127th Wing, the equal opportunity office helps the unit meet those standards by providing timely, fair and impartial services to Airmen in ensuring equal opportunities for all.

“The 127th Wing equal opportunity office works to eradicate any unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment in the unit,” said Capt. Jessica Homann, 127th Wing equal opportunity program director. “Our strength lies in our ability to accept and respect one another, because we know it takes all of us to accomplish the mission.”

The EO program provides services such as complaint processing, outreach, EO-related training and education, assistance through alternative dispute resolution among other services.

Depending on the report and the complaint, EO can work with commanders, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team, inspector generals, judge advocates, and other units to provide members with the right services and information they need.

“Equal opportunity concerns detract from morale, productivity, unit readiness and the mission and degrades our most important asset — our people,” Homann said.

There are different resources and options provided to members who are seeking to file complaints and reports.

In-depth information about the policies and Military Equal Opportunity complaint processes and timelines are outlined in DAFI 36-2710, Equal Opportunity Program.

Members also have the option of going directly to the EO office without having to go through their supervisory or chain of command channels.

Sexual harassment victim advocacy services through the SAPR office do not replace the Military EO informal and formal complaint processes. Sexual harassment informal complaints filed with the EO office or reported directly to a military member’s chain of command will not automatically result in a commander-directed investigation.

The DoD continues to express the importance of coming together as a force to cultivate and sustain inclusive environments, promoting equal opportunity throughout all organizational levels. Airmen and Guardians are expected to maintain personal and professional conduct of the highest standard to play an integral role in eradicating discrimination within the workplace.

“The responsibility to prevent discrimination and harassment of any kind belongs to everyone and bears no rank,” Homann said. “The Air National Guard has determined all equal opportunity matters must first be handled informally and as quickly as possible.”

For more information, contact the Equal Opportunities office at 586-239-4340 or the Air Force Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Hotline at 1-888-231-4058.

For more information on Air Force policies and resources for Equal Employment Opportunities/Military Employment Opportunities, visit www.af.mil/Equal-Opportunity.