NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
DLA Distribution Team,
Throughout the month of February, we celebrate African American History Month. This is a time to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who contributed so much to American culture. Our month-long tribute started with Carter G. Woodson, who founded Negro History Week in 1925. It was later expanded to a month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, who encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
This year's theme for African American History Month is, "Success Always Leaves Footprints." This quote is attributed to Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute, an institution which served as a model of excellence to illustrate that blacks could meaningfully contribute to our American society -- even under the most challenging conditions -- when provided the opportunity. The Institute became world-renowned as the training ground for the Tuskegee Airmen, U.S. Army Air Corps heroes of World War II. Today, Tuskegee University is a bastion of higher education and continues to deliver upon Booker T. Washington's vision of lifting the veil of ignorance through education, determination, and self-reliance.
Each of us can draw strength from the wealth of stories highlighting African Americans achievements. Our American values have continued to evolve over time, sometimes facing difficult trials...and we have proven that when we work together toward a common purpose, we can achieve anything and we create a positive future for everyone. I ask each of you to think about a way that you can honor African Americans this month. Visit a local museum, volunteer in the community, or learn about a piece of our African American history, like the Tuskegee Airmen or Frederick Douglass. No matter how you choose to honor African American History Month, please do it safely because each of you are valued members of the DLA Distribution team.
Ms. Gonzales and I want to thank you for the exceptional work you continue to do to support our customer, the Warfighter, around the world. We are proud to be part of the Distribution team which always delivers the Right Things...at the Right place, at the Right time!
v/r,
BG John S. Laskodi
Commanding General
DLA Distribution
We are DLA - America's Combat Logistics Support Agency!