Employees share culture, diversity, and talent at DSCC

COLUMBUS, Ohio – How many stripes are on the U.S. flag? If you know the answer, you may have had a shot at the trivia challenge at Defense Supply Center Columbus’ 2016 Installation People and Culture Day.

The trivia games were just one of the many activities that took place across the installation as part of the inaugural People and Culture Day on Aug. 3rd.

The day’s events were coordinated in a cooperative effort between the Defense Finance Accounting Services and Defense Logistics Agency special emphasis programs and the DSCC Family Morale Welfare and Recreation program.

Opening ceremonies included remarks from Kim Maggard, mayor of Whitehall, Pamela Franceschi, site director for DFAS, and Milton Lewis, Land and Maritime acquisitions executive.

“Today is about bringing everyone together as an installation and connecting with our coworkers,” Franceschi said. “Diversity is what makes our nation great, and it’s what makes DSCC such a special place.”

That diversity was on display at the cultural passport challenge. Booths highlighted the various ethnic and cultural groups represented in the DSCC workforce. Members of each Special Emphasis Program created the displays to celebrate their culture and raise awareness about their group.

After visiting each display and completing the cultural passport challenge, associates had the chance to sample foods from some of the cultures which they had just learned about.

While associates on the east side of the installation were taking a tour of the various ethnic and cultural groups that make up the DSCC community, associates on the west side were soaking up the sun and enjoying a plethora of activities organized by DSCC MWR.

From volleyball to basketball to a 5K, there was something for everyone to enjoy outside with their neighbors. The pool was packed with swimmers and sun-seekers while Eagle Eye Golf Course served as host for a two-person golf scramble. Mission Park Pavilion was the scene for those less enthused about breaking a sweat, offering trivia and bingo contests.

“I have to admit this is better than advertised,” Joyce Saunders from DFAS-Columbus said after playing in the first round of a corn hole tournament. “We get together a lot with the small team we work with every day, but it’s really neat to meet others who work at the same location as I do and have never talked to. I just played against a couple from Land and Maritime who I found out live just down the street from me, so who knew?”

Trophies were handed out to several winners of events throughout the day, including the People’s Choice Award at the car and bike show. The popular destination gave everyone a chance to take a walk down memory lane with the classics while enjoying their favorite sports cars and Volvo’s.

Sandwiched in between events happening across the installation, a dedicated group of volunteers from several Land and Maritime special emphasis groups put together some special entertainment for the celebration of People and Culture day.

An inspiring production called “A Walk through Culture” showcased some of the hidden thespian talents installation associates had been hiding. Re-enacting historic characters from centuries past, those in attendance got to see Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony, abolitionist Sojourner Truth and even heard a Constitutionally endorsed message from President Abraham Lincoln.

Accomplished instrumental and vocal performances echoed in the filled-to-capacity theater, while spoken and American Sign Language (ASL) poem readings and dance demonstrations rounded out the program.

The SEPs participating in the People and Culture Day included: African-American Employment Program, Asian/Pacific American Employment Program, People with Disabilities Program, European American Program, Federal Women's Program, Hispanic Employment Program, Native American/Alaskan Native Employment Program, Veterans Employment Program and the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender (LGBT) Program