TALKS

On May 22, 1950, President Truman released the Freedom To Serve Report, which outlined the founding ideals of a fully inclusive military force. This was a significant milestone following  his signing of Executive Order 9981 that desegregated the U.S. military, and a crucial step in the civil rights movement. Now, seventy-five years later, our military is facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel at a time when the global world order is being challenged. To safeguard our democracy and ensure the continued strength and viability of America’s all-volunteer military, it is imperative to identify and eliminate barriers to service. Colonel Eries Mentzer, the first Black woman to command Maxwell Air Force Base, has witnessed firsthand the disparities between our nation’s values and the experiences of underrepresented service members. She is passionate about creating more equal opportunities and access for all Americans with the propensity to serve. When every service member has pathways to leadership, our armed forces — and our nation — are strengthened.