Equal Opportunity Director receives NAACP award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  Fredy Hatley, the 375th Air Mobility Wing Director of Equal Opportunity, was awarded the NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award for 2015 at Scott Air Force Base.

According to the award Hatley distinguished himself as Director of Equal Opportunity from July 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015. His outstanding technical expertise, leadership ability, and commitment to civil and human rights resulted in major contributions to the success of the Air Force Equal Opportunity program.

The NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award honors military members and Defense Department civilian employees who have supported the overall DOD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective military service or other DOD component. They also must have enthusiastically supported the civil rights movement while serving in the armed forces or the federal civilian workforce.

As Director of EO, Hatley's office is responsible for 7,000 active-duty members, Air Force civilians and family members. He leads a team of six full-time Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselors and ensures the team receives updates in EEO matters and court rulings so that they can properly advise military and civilian members of their rights.

"The award to me means I have been recognized for doing my job and the contributions I've made to the off base community," Hatley said.

The Roy Wilkins Award also recognized Hatley for his responsibility in making sure that military commanders and civilian leaders are informed of updates or changes to military EEO polices and civilian EEO laws.

"Fred is the first vice president of the O'Fallon Branch of the NAACP," said Francine Nicholson, the O’Fallon’s president. "I think it is an honor he is recognized for his dedication and work towards equality in the work place and the community."

Hatley is active in the local community as a speaker and instructor regarding discrimination issues. Recognizing a need, Hatley co-founded the O'Fallon, Illinois NAACP unit (3041). He is the current vice president and chairs the legal redress committee. In this capacity, Hatley meets with local civilian leaders to include police agencies to resolve complaints. He has investigated several complaints against local police departments and is known to be fair and impartial.

The award also noted Hatley's assistance during the recent unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in the harmonization and forming two open forums with local police, elected officials, clergy and citizens. These events, which were covered by St. Louis media, received enthusiastic support from the communities and were attended by more than 400 citizens who lauded local officials for their openness and willingness to discuss citizen concerns.

"It is important recognition is bestowed on those who have an impact in the community working for civil and human rights," Nicholson said. "Hatley is a great asset to the O'Fallon NAACP."