Three from AFRL Honored as Area’s Top African-American Males Published July 22, 2014 By Laura Dempsey AFRL Headquarters WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Research Laboratory was well represented at this year's Annual Top 10 African American Male luncheon, an annual event honoring men who have distinguished themselves by serving as role models and philanthropists in the community. The award recipients are chosen each year by Parity Inc., a community-based non-profit dedicated to improving and strengthening the educational, economic and social opportunities for African-American men. The awards were presented at a luncheon on Feb. 20, 2014, at Sinclair Community College. Three of the 10 award-winners are from AFRL: Dr. Darnell E. Diggs; Dr. Eric L. Jones; and Dr. Darius D. Sanders. Dr. Diggs is a research physicist in AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, where he's worked for over 10 years. Dr. Diggs has made it a personal mission to reach out to disadvantaged youth, fostering scientific and technical talent by encouraging the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He regularly mentors both AFRL interns and others in his capacity as a past president and active member of the National Society of Black Engineers - Dayton Professionals chapter. Dr. Jones has been with AFRL for more than five years, working in the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate as a materials engineer. His commitment to the community is evident in his involvement with AFRL interns as a mentor, tour guide, writing STEM curricula for the National Society of Black Engineers - Dayton Professionals Academic Excellence Program, and other pursuits. Dr. Sanders, an aerospace engineer with AFRL's Aerospace Systems Directorate, Turbine engine Division, has undertaken several leadership roles within the organization and community, serving as a mentor, tutor and panelist for a Wright State University program for prospective graduate students.