Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

U.S. Air Force Airmen line up to deliver speeches on how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream Speech” has affected them and their interpolation of its meaning during a MLK remembrance ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan 10, 2024. The ceremony was held at Kadena’s United Service Organizations, during the ceremony MLK’s life and his impact were shown by each individual's speech. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Oluwadamilola Orekoya, 353rd Special Operation Squadron tactical communications technician, recites a speech he prepared to reflect what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech means to them at the Kadena Air Base MLK speech competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Chanel Meadows, 18 Medical Support Squadron flight commander, recites a speech she prepared to reflect what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech means to them at the Kadena Air Base MLK speech competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barbara Walker, 31st Rescue Squadron combat arms Instructor, recites a speech she prepared reflecting what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech means to them at the Kadena Air Base MLK speech competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

Keith Hayden, “Oki-Orators” Toastmasters president , U.S. Air Force Col. Laura Ramos, 18th Mission Support Group commander and Birithia Killens, True North Program clinical social worker present a certificate of appreciation to U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Oluwadamilola Orekoya, 353rd Special Operation Squadron tactical communications technician at the Kadena Air Base Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. The competition brought the military community together to display their talents, participate in some friendly competition and commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. King. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

Birithia Killens, True North Program clinical social worker, addresses Airmen and civilians during the Kadena Air Base Martin Luther King Jr. speech competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. During her speech, Killens expressed hope for the future and stressed the importance of national unity in the continued pursuit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Winsome Culley, Force Support Squadron Career Assistance Advisor, informs the judges on the rules of the Kadena Air Base Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Competition and how the scoring and time system will work at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Kadena hosts MLK Speech Competition

Published Jan. 17, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Edward W. Yankus
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan --