VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees attended the 2021 DMA Fall Fest Sept. 23, 2021, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Fall Fest began with the presentation of a face to face version of new required state employee training on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Unconscious Bias, followed by lunch, games and music.
“DMA developed this training within state guidance to improve staff awareness and to support our goal of being an organization that respects all people of all beliefs,” explained retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, DMA Chief Operations Officer.
Following the training, DMA employees enjoyed a catered lunch, music and games.
The Fall Festival was developed under the Workforce Planning Program after surveys indicated DMA employees wanted to see more events that included team building and fun activities.
DMA conducted its first Fall Festival at Fort Pickett in September 2019. The strategic plan is to conduct a festival each year at both Fort Pickett and SMR. Because of COVID-19, this year’s festival at SMR was the first major event DMA has conducted since March 2020.
“This small event today plants the seed for our future events once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tim White, DMA instructor and trainer.