Yokota Airmen honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during luncheon Published Jan. 17, 2024 By Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 374th Airlift Wing hosted a luncheon to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2024. The luncheon served as an opportunity for members of the 374th AW to learn about King’s contributions to civil rights and his commitment to freedom, equity and inclusion. From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Brett Cochran, 374th Airlift Wing (AW) deputy commander, Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Dunn, 374th AW command chief, and Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th AW commander, listen to a brief about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan 16, 2024. The luncheon served as an opportunity for members of the 374th AW to learn about King’s contributions to civil rights and his commitment to freedom, equity and inclusion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res In 1994, Congress passed the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and Service Act which designated the third Monday in January as MLK Day. Each year, the Department of Defense stands with the nation and utilizes this day to reflect on the principles of the United States. The luncheon began with opening remarks from Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th AW commander. “Today, we’re celebrating a man who championed unarmed civil disobedience because it was the right way to do the right thing,” said Roddan. “We embrace diversity and inclusion because they are important to us, to our Air Force, and our community here at Yokota.” Attendees of the luncheon watched a video about the life of Dr. King and talked about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the military. The event concluded with members discussing how King’s intent can contribute to mission readiness and effectiveness. “Special observances like this are always important because they recognize the different communities within our ranks,” said Master Sgt. Candice Trigg, 374th AW Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility agency chief. “This helps bring people together to learn more about our American heroes and what makes us who we are as a force.”