Airmen come back rejuvenated from HRDC conference Published Nov. 2, 2010 By SrA Chelsea Gitzen 914 AW Public Affairs ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- As airmen returned home from the Human Resources Development Council conference last week , it not only defined diversity, it exemplified it for the hundreds of servicemembers from enlisted Airmen to officers who attended. The 2010 HRDC conference made Air Force history when it presented Helen Wyatt Snapp, former Women Air Service Pilot, with her Congressional medal, and some of the conference's guests such as Ms. Snapp and other WASPs helped shape that history. Colonel Sandra Opeka, 10th Air Force inspector general, and Master Sgt. Rod Haye, Air Force Reserve Command HRDC program manager, presented the Congressional medal to Ms. Snapp who received the honor to the tone of more than 350 applauding Airmen, on their feet and cheering for this Air Force hero. The somber crowd then rendered a formal salute as a tribute to Ms. Snapp as well as Bernice "Bee" Haydu and Anna "Marty" Wyall, both former WASPs who also attended the conference as distinguished guests, for their commitment to their country and for paving the way for future generations of Airmen. These WASPs answered previously submitted questions from conference attendees and shared their touching - and at times infuriating - tales of discrimination, fear of failing, and utter determination to serve their country and Airmen in a time of war. "We were fighting for our existence," said Ms. Haydu."If you'll notice, on the Congressional medals that we received, the woman has a foot planted over the line of the coin's border. I think that was intentional." Other renowned guests of the conference included former Tuskegee Airman Ray Williams, and former B-17 pilot Herbert Heilbrun, who both honored the audience with their stories of how they broke racial barriers more than sixty years ago as Mr. Williams fought to be in a military that hardly recognized his commitment and as Mr. Heilbrun honored the Tuskegee Airmen who repeatedly saved his life and his mission. John Leahr (former Tuskegee Airman who supported Mr. Heilbrun during his time as a World War II pilot) taught me about the racism and segregation that he endured during his life; knowing each other has enriched both of our lives, said Mr. Heilbrun. Airmen were able to take away valuable life and Air Force life lessons from these and other distinguished guests, as well as from the number of interactive briefings targeting important topics such as retention, mentorship, and developing leadership. The way this information was delivered and the attitude of the conference attendees was so positive that it affected most Airmen powerfully. "The workshop was very refreshing," said Senior Airman Markeya Lucas-Drisdom, 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical administration journeyman."I am leaving feeling rejuvinated and excited." Airmen were also able to learn about how diversity is vital to the Air Force, and how that applies to them. "I learned a lot about myself and the Air Force," said Senior Airman Cameron Haag, 914th Maintenance Squadron flightline crew chief."I also met a lot of influential people that made an honest difference in personal perspective." This conference provided that diverse perspective from all walks of Air Force life - from current key leaders to Airmen that shaped Air Force history and even to new Airmen sharing their experiences as the Air Force's future. This conference has enriched the perspectives of hundreds of Airmen who will be able to take their experiences back to their home stations throughout the Air Force Reserve Command. "Anyone who is not familiar with the AFRC HRDC should consider attending the conference," said Airman Lucas-Drisdom."It's a chance to celebrate diversity and the Air Force's best asset - the people."