Diversity Crucial For America, Pennsylvania Official Tells NAVSUP Employees

By Tim Christmann, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- "The United States will be a better country if Americans continue to embrace diversity in everything they do," said Norman Bristol Colon, executive director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, during a visit to Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Headquarters on Sept. 21 to promote National Hispanic Heritage Month.

"Diversity must be a top priority," said Colon, adding that America must reach out and help Latinos, who are the fastest growing ethnic group in Pennsylvania (more than 600,000) and the largest minority ethnic group (more than 45 million) in the nation. "These individuals bring strong family values, work ethic, and high hopes, dreams and aspirations to Pennsylvania ... the same strong foundations brought to America by our founding fathers."

"As we celebrate the contributions Latinos have made and continue making in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation, we continue to build stronger communities strengthened by educational, social and economic opportunities," said Colon. "Diversity is in the best interest of America."

Born and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Colon was appointed by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell as director of GACLA, the Commonwealth's advocate agency for its Latino residents in 2003 at age 27. He is the youngest executive director in the 35-year history of the commission.

"I came from humble beginnings ... and arrived in Pennsylvania as a non-English speaking teenager," he said. "But I had a good mother who taught me strong values ... and thanks to her example, I knew that I would make it ... that I could accomplish anything I set my mind on."

He added that he's grateful he came to the United States because "in America anything is possible ... and millions of individuals in this country embrace this belief."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.