Bulldog Inn serves up ethnic observance

Spc. Aaron Braddy

3rd IBCT, 1st Armored Div.

The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and the Bulldog Inn teamed up to hold an ethnic observance ceremony honoring African- Americans during Black History Month at East Fort Bliss Feb. 25.

 “It made me feel good there was a good turnout,” said Sgt. Maj. Joseph A. Goebel, a 3rd IBCT operations sergeant major. “It made me feel good we were able to stop, as busy as we are, and get a group of people together and celebrate [Black History] Month.”

The ceremony included several guest speakers, a short film featuring the theme of economic empowerment, and a presentation from the Praise Temple Full Gospel Choir. 

“We were asked by a member of the dining facility to help and sing during the Black History Month program,” said Adrian R. Hines, the choir director for the Praise Temple Full Gospel Choir. “We felt it was an honor and a privilege to be able to come here and sing.”

During the observance, guest speakers read a short history of a select few individuals from around the brigade as well as some famous African-Americans such as President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Oprah Winfrey. A fellow “Bulldog” Soldier read a poem from Maya Angelou titled “Still I Rise.”

The Bulldog Inn helped with the event by serving the Soldiers and guests a large selection of soul food, including ribs, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes.

 “We like to do it on a smaller scale and try to personalize events to recognize some of our very own sergeant majors, Soldiers and civilians who support and assist the brigade,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jesus J. Lopez, the brigade equal opportunity adviser.

Support for the event was clear with a large number of Bulldog participants from the 3rd IBCT to enjoy the festivities.

“You can never do something like this by yourself, so we had a collection of personnel throughout the brigade, especially equal opportunity leaders, who helped,” said Lopez. “I think it was a success. Hopefully the Soldiers walked out with more information about Black History Month.” 

“I’m glad we celebrate things like this in the military. The military has got to be the most diverse organization,” said Goebel. “Look at the ethnic diversity in any of the military branches: white, Hispanic, [Asian], it doesn’t matter, it’s basic discipline that keeps everybody going and makes us work as one.”