Office fights for equality for all in service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Behind the Scenes is a recurring series featuring Airmen in units that have big impact, but low visibility.

Tucked away on the second floor of the F-Wing in Bldg. 381 is a four woman team focused on creating an equally fair work environment for every Golden Bear on Travis Air Force Base.

"It's all about the people," said Heather Bradley, 60th Air Mobility Wing Equal Opportunity office director and 349th AMW EO office deputy director. "We have a duty to improve an organization through human relations. We help units and people get healthy."

Since Jan. 1, 2008 the Military Equal Opportunity and Equal Employment Opportunity offices merged to create the current EO office, both military and civilian personnel handling military and civilian issues.

"We are responsible for conducting surveys, briefings, training, morale checks by visiting units and complaint processing," said 1st Lt. Jillian Saridaki, 60th AMW EO office deputy director. "Since I started here in 2012 we have seen our assistance requests triple. This is good. It means that we are creating awareness and people are not afraid to speak, thus having a positive impact on our culture."

Their vision is for Airmen to live up to the principles of equal opportunity, and consider them integral to the Air Force core values in the 21st century. Their mission is one team, one Air Force working towards the goal of equal opportunity and diversity. In addition, the EO office aims to provide an environment of mutual respect, enhance the quality of the total force and strengthen the ability to accomplish the Air Force strategic goals and objectives.

"I love this job," Bradley said. "It's tough sometimes because either someone or something is hurt, such as personal feelings or the mission. We're here to find the facts and help the disputing parties find a resolution."

The office strives to accomplish its mission by promoting an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers that could prevent Air Force members from rising to their highest potential. Air Force policies are in place to ensure organizations conduct their affairs free from unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment. These policies also provide for equal opportunity and treatment for all members regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or in the case of civilian employees, age and handicapping conditions except as prescribed by statute or policy.

"We're here to help," Saridaki said. "If you have a question, call us. Having a conversation does not constitute a complaint. Don't be afraid to express a concern or ask a question."

For more information about the EO office, call 424-1701 or email at 60amw.eo@us.af.mil.