MLK Humanitarian Awards recognize excellence

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Gaither
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio. --  The Company Grade Officers Council hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon on Jan. 20 at the Wright-Patterson Club to help recognize   those who continue to keep the dream alive.

The luncheon concentrated not only on the great works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but on the everyday people who work diligently to ensure equal right and opportunities for all.

Guest speaker Col. Ray Anthony Lindsay, director of Logistics for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, addressed the need to continue mentoring   opportunities, saying the American way should be to recognize each other not by the color of one's skin but simply as an American.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked life's most persistent and urgent question, 'What are you doing for others?'" Lindsay said.

He referred to the times he spent overseas and how those countries treated all of the company he was with as Americans, not African Americans/Blacks,Anglo-Saxons/whites, Hispanics, etc. Lindsay challenged the nation to grow stronger by not allowing skin color to divide people but to empower them.

"Dr. King, Jr. stated that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,"Lindsay said, adding that although it may not be the most popular or easiest thing to do, everyone must continue to strive for the best, just like the Humanitarian Award nominees have done.

The luncheon recognized Senior Airman Estephon S. Ramirez as the Humanitarian Award recipient and the Gracie Defense Systems instructors as the Humanitarian Award Team recipient.

"I've taken great pride over the past 27 years caring for my people, and when I say people, I took care of all my people -- doing and going when my nation calls, protecting America whenever or wherever I can," Lindsay said. "Continuing to be strong leaders and following in these great footsteps is what this luncheon is all about. As Dr. King Jr. once stated, 'We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.' "