May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Freddy Estacion
  • 35th Force Support Squadron superintendent
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates the collective accomplishments of many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages and cultures. This month allows Americans of Asian or Pacific Island heritage the opportunity to share their pride and showcase their rich culture and tradition.

In May 1990, President George H.W. Bush designated May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. As part of the celebration, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Committee is hosting several events throughout the month of May.

Misawa's observance commences with a ribbon and cake cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. May 1 at the base exchange officiated by the wing commander. On May 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Misawa community is invited to the annual food tasting festival, giving everyone a taste of assorted Asian Pacific culinary dishes. In addition, the APAHC is partnering with the fitness center to organize sporting events to include a 5K/10K fitness run on from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. May 16. Free t-shirts, bananas and bottled water will be available to all participants. On the same day, a cultural performance show featuring songs and dances will be held at the base exchange. On May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the base commissary, base residents will have a unique privilege and opportunity to learn about Asian Pacific authentic dishes through cooking demonstrations, featuring recipes from the Philippines, Hawaii, Korea, Guam and Japan.

In line with this year's official theme of "Leadership to Meet the Challenges of a Changing World," APAHC will raise cultural awareness with displays at various locations on base featuring artifacts from various countries. Finally, the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month culminates with a banquet at the enlisted club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 29. The keynote guest speaker is Hawaiian-born Chadwick Haheo Rowan, known professionally as Akebono, who became the first foreign-born sumo wrestler ever to reach Yokozuna.

For more information about each event, please contact Master Sgt. Jerome Manibusan at 226-5618 or jerome.manibusan@misawa.af.mil. People can also contact AZ2 David San Luis at 226-3371 or david.sanluis@fe.navy.mil. 

The following is a list of Asian Pacific American contributions to the Department of Defense and the nation. Information compiled by Robert L. Worden of the Library of Congress:
- Astronaut Air Force Lt. Col. Ellison Shoji Onizuka, a Japanese American, served on the first DoD space shuttle mission; dies in space shuttle Challenger explosion.
- Army Sgt. Jose Calugas, a Filipino American, earns Medal of Honor for heroism in the Philippines during World War II.
- World War II hero Army Capt. Daniel K. Inouye, holder of the Distinguished Service Cross, becomes first Japanese American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; later becomes U.S. senator.
- Hiram Leong Fong, first Asian Pacific American elected to the U.S. Senate and the first American of Chinese descent to be elected to the U.S. Congress.
- Samoan American Medal of Honor recipient Army Private 1st Class Herbert K. Pililaau made "gallant self-sacrifice" in 1951 during the Korean War.
- Korean American Army Lt. Col. Herbert Choy, becomes first Asian American named to federal court.
- Gen. Eric Ken Shinseki served as the 34th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, is a native of Hawaii and is the only Japanese American to ever be promoted to the Army's top position.