JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
This month, we asked service members from around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Air Force Staff Sgt. Nancy Niles, 514th Air Mobility Wing chaplain's assistant, hails from New York City.
"Black history month is an opportunity to celebrate the window of opportunities opened for all minorities in the United States and reflect on the triumph and perseverance of the African-American community. Though they suffered humiliation and rejection for too many years in this country, their fight was not in vain. If they hadn't fought for freedom and equality, many people wouldn't have the opportunities that we have today."
Navy Seaman Apprentice Devin Clark, 87th Air Base Wing Chapel religious program specialist, is originally from Dayton, Ohio.
"Being mixed race black and white, I'm grateful for the effort civil rights leaders put forth to minimalize racism and bigotry in society. Their movement opened the door for all the opportunities I have today."
Marine Cpl. Petagay Findlay, Marine Aircraft Group 49 Installation Personnel Administretive Center administrative specialist, hails from New York City.
"It's a journey from where we were many years ago to where we are now as a society. A lot of races have come together in unity and that's what our civil-rights leaders, black and white, wanted to see."
Sgt. 1st Class James Rogers, 1-307th Infantry Battalion future operations NCO, is originally from Stockton, Calif.
"Black History month is a great opportunity for the military community to recognize and appreciate the diversity of the all the members who make up the military."