FORT LEE, Va. – Media are invited to attend a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and influence during an observance here at the Lee Theater, Thursday.
The annual program will be hosted by the Army Logistics University and the Installation Equal Opportunity Office. The Defense Contract Management Agency is also partnering for this event.
WHAT: Martin Luther King Jr. Observance
WHO: Hosted by Army Logistics University, Installation Equal Opportunity Office
and Defense Contract Management Agency
WHEN: 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 12
WHERE: Lee Theater
“I believe Dr. King’s vision of equality is reflected in our military culture,” said Capt. Christopher Harrington, lead event planning officer and commander of the Staff and Faculty Company, 71st Transportation Battalion. “It’s important our leaders are reminded that through equal opportunity, we can continue to build and sustain winning teams.”
The guest speaker for the program is Claiborne Douglass Haughton Jr., former acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity. Throughout a decorated 35-year career dedicated to the pursuit of affirmative action, equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion for Department of Defense military and civilian personnel worldwide and at DOD contractors’ facilities, Haughton pioneered and developed innovative and instrumental programs, creating access where none existed before.
Dramatic and prose recitations, the 392nd Army Band and information displays will also be part of the program.
“Dr. King worked tirelessly throughout his lifetime toward a dream of equality,” Harrington said. “He believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America. He once said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ The day represents the opportunity to start the year off right by making a positive impact in the community.’”
Media planning to attend must contact Sarah Gauvin at 804-734-6965, 804-400-7273 or sarah.r.gauvin.civ@mail.mil by 10 a.m., Thursday to coordinate an escort to the event.
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Fort Lee Soldiers, families and civilian employees began a century of support to the nation in 1917 when Camp Lee was established to train the 80th Division for service during WWI. Today, Fort Lee is the Army’s Home of Sustainment and supports the training, education and development of adaptive Army professionals in fields such as transportation, supply, culinary arts and equipment repair and maintenance. Major organizations on the installation include the Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Management Agency, Combined Arms Support Command, the Army Logistics University, U.S. Army Ordnance School, U.S. Army Quartermaster School and U.S. Army Transportation School. Fort Lee supports nearly 86,000 Soldiers, retirees, veterans, family members and civilian employees and boasts an economic impact of about $2.4 billion per year.