JBA hosts AF equal opportunity training workshop Published June 23, 2017 By Staff Sgt. John E. Hillier National Guard Bureau Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The 2017 Air Force Equal Opportunity Worldwide Training Workshop was held at the General Jacob E. Smart Conference Center here from June 12 to 16, 2017. Approximately 300 attendees from every component of the Air Force, including 100 Guardsmen from 40 states, came for the week-long workshop that provided equal opportunity professionals their required yearly refresher training. “[This workshop] gives us the training we need to be successful and the voice to get the resources we need to ensure we are helping our members,” said Master Sgt. Katharine McCloud, Idaho Air National Guard EO practitioner and event attendee. The event was a collaborative effort by active duty and ANG representatives–both civilian and military. Throughout the week EO professionals were provided refresher skills training and individual development through hands-on practice, senior leader led discussions and small group training. Maj. Gary Richardson, ANG service liaison officer to the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, discussed EO in the ANG, fielding questions on all aspects of EO duties, including how the complaint process differs for Guard members in various pay statuses. “[EO counselors] are on the front lines at the unit level trying to resolve complaints and help maintain a healthy unit climate,” said Dr. Carrie K. Baker, workshop project lead. “Having this training keeps our skills sharp so we can help commanders resolve problems at the lowest level.” Attendees also received a briefing from ANG Readiness Center Vice Commander Keith McDonald discussing what’s on the horizon for the ANG in EO and diversity. This was the third time the workshop has been held and event planners are hoping to make it a bi-annual event. (Information from an Air Force news release was used in this story.)