Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) held its third annual diversity fair at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, Aug. 28.
Nearly a dozen booths were set up and ornamented to represent diverse countries, from Italy and China, to Germany.
Food samplings were also prepared for participants to enjoy free of charge.
“Today we are celebrating culture by providing samples of food from different countries,” said Kelsy Shaw, event coordinator.
“This brings commands together and we all can enjoy the festivities, and intermingle while enjoying some tasty samples.”
During the diversity fair a contest was held for the best booth display and the booth with the most flavors.  The Mexican
booth came in 1st place, Chinese booth in 2nd place, and coming in 3rd place was the Italian booth.
“Events like these give us all an opportunity to get out, socialize and relax,” said Capt. Timothy Block, SWFPAC commanding
officer. “What we have here is great food and great people all coming together for a good cause.”
After everyone tried a sample of each dish, a fundraiser was held to raise money for the local food bank. Department
of Defense contractors, civilians and military personnel made bids to throw pies at a manager’s face, and more than $500
was raised for the charity.
“I am part of a diversity council and I think it’s important to understand other people’s heritage,” said Equipment Operator 2nd
Class Alpha Cooper, Naval Magazine Indian Island. “We are all promoting something positive and it’s very educational to learn
about other cultures.”
For one Sailor, the event was a way to create unity within commands.
“This event is a bridge to bring people together and creating camaraderie,” said Master Chief Missile Technician Ricky Milton,
SWFPAC. “The samples are delicious and no one has to go overseas to try these great dishes.”
Equipment Operator 1st Class David Warner, Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 18, said the event was a way for
people to express themselves through creativity.
“What we have here is people working as a team to decorate booths and making dishes together,” said Warner. “It’s not every
day we are exposed to different backgrounds.”