News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Mr. Eric Durr, 518-786-4581

Members of the New York National Guard Celebrate Diversity

Media Advisory

LATHAM, NY (04/06/2008; 1313)(readMedia)-- New York National Guard Headquarters will celebrate the diversity of its forces Tuesday, April 8, with an event that will include speakers, displays and Albany area dance group Too Deep.

WHO: Military and civilian employees of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the New York National Guard.

WHAT: Division of Military and Naval Affairs Diversity Day

WHEN:10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 8

WHERE: DMNA Building 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham NY, 12110

BACKGROUND: The Division of Military and Naval Affairs conducts training and programs on bridging differences between people and culture. The military is filled with people of all races, religions and backgrounds and the military is a uniquely merit-driven organization.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES:

10:30 a.m. to noon: Nationally recognized sales speaker Dorothy Leeds, who has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America, and who has written for the New York Times and Forbes speaks on “Good Lessons From Bad Women”.p.

Noon to 1 p.m: Brig. Gen. (Retired) Julia Cleckley, currently a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and recipient of the Army's Distinguished Service Medal and the NAACP Roy Wilkins Award, speaks on diversity issues.Cleckley was the Army National Guard’s first female African-American general officer.p.

2 p.m.-3 p.m.:Albany dance group Too Deep Entertainment, an African American group which employs dance and art to educate, will perform.

To gain access to this secure facility, members of the press should contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Press Office at 518-786-4581.