USAFE diversity, inclusion council hosts German counterparts Published July 2, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The U.S. Air Force in Europe and Air Forces Africa Diversity and Inclusion Council hosted three German Armed Forces diversity officers here to speak on how the German armed forces operate their programs June 26, 2015. Formed in 2012, the council supports the headquarters' diversity initiatives by promoting awareness and value of diversity and inclusion across their major commands, overseeing wing councils, educating senior leaders on diversity and partnering with host nations to share initiatives to educate service members. "We began this initiative three years ago and today we are helping build on the fifth tenant, partnering with our host nations," said Steven Von Neumann, USAFE-AFAFRICA Warrior Preparation Center Lead Action Officer and USAFE-AFAFRICA Diversity and Inclusion Council, "This is important because host nations are doing things differently and there are definitely things we can build on, expand our own efforts and share what we think are best practices." The team of German officers briefed councils throughout Europe, as well. They showed how German officers and enlisted members are trained through a variety briefings, computer based training and seminars. "Speaking to Americans about diversity is very interesting for me and very important," said German Armed Forces Lt. Col. Michael Brendel, Leadership Development and Civic Education Center Koblenz senior civil servant. "It's important for me to exchange knowledge and experiences made in diversity ... I hope we will continue our mutual work." The meetings left the door open for more opportunities to work together with potential visits and exchanges of both ideas and service members.