A veritable banquet with a side of motivation was served up at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) Det. Mayport, Feb. 23, to celebrate Black History Month.

Command Master Chief Robert Florentino, of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40, spoke to the group of FRCSE Det. Mayport Sailors on his own struggles coming up through the ranks, and the importance of treating fellow Sailors with the love and respect of a family member.

"Treat every individual who comes across your path like you treat your kids at home; like you treat your family," Florentino said. "Do that and you're going to be one of the most successful leaders in the United States Navy. I promise you that."

He challenged the Sailors make a difference in the world, starting with their families.

"You are going to teach your children," he said. "Please don't teach your kids to hate. Teach your kids how to love."

After Florentino spoke, the detachment's diversity team gave a presentation recounting the lives of several influential African Americans, as well as their contributions to the United States.

FRCSE Commanding Officer Capt. Trent DeMoss also addressed the audience of young Sailors.

"We don't just do events like this so that you can get a history lesson. We do it because diversity and inclusion make us better," he said. "They make us better people, better citizens out in the community, and they make us a better team inside the Navy."

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