Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) commemorated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month at its 3rd annual program in Philadelphia June 21.

Over 200 employees gathered to celebrate equality for LGBT individuals at the event, during which attendees listened to live music, enjoyed stand-up comedy and participated in a question-and-answer session with a prominent local news reporter.

"[Life is] about our right to life, to liberty and to the pursuit of all the things that make us happy -- no matter who or what that may be," said Lynn Kohl, vice commander, NAVSUP WSS. "That message, the core tenet of our nation's Constitution, resonates with all Americans."

Kohl then went on to introduce the first of two special presentations that day -- Remarks, a standup comedy routine and a musical presentation by Karen Faber, a Logistics Engineering Change Proposal program manager with NAVSUP WSS.

"The shared experiences of life -- family, dating, getting older, work, marriage, divorce, marriage -- [are] the things that we all have in common," said Faber as she told her story of civilian pride, interweaving somber self-realizations with lighthearted humor. "Those are mostly the topics I write about in my stand-up -- the way we really are all the same when it comes down to it."

After segueing into a short stand-up comedy routine centering on her childhood, Faber then shared the spotlight with the Jazz Feds, a four-piece band consisting of NAVSUP WSS and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support employees, as they played a moving rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You" by Billie Holiday.

It was then time for keynote speaker and special guest, Jim Donovan, a CBS 3 news anchor, to take the stage.

Giving a powerful, entertaining and eye-opening presentation, Donovan candidly discussed outing himself in the public eye and the importance of covering diverse audiences and issues in the news.

"Diversity in TV news is not about gay or straight, black or white, Christian or Muslim," Donovan said. "It's about appreciating people for what they bring to the table, allowing people to see themselves on the screen."

"It's my responsibility to serve our audience; that's what television stations are meant for," Donovan continued. "We have a license to serve the public -- to speak up for people, to cover the issues that they want reported, and it sounds a bit cheesy, but to give a voice to the voiceless."

Donovan then opened the floor to personal and professional questions from attendees. Afterward, he received a standing ovation as well as a commander's coin from Rear Adm. Paul Verrastro, commander, NAVSUP WSS to thank him for his participation.

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.

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