Celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Hello everyone!

In 1992, legislation was passed and May was officially selected as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. This month we remember and celebrate the immigration of the Japanese to the U.S. in May 1843 and also the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, which was built mostly by the Chinese. The national theme for 2010 is “Diverse Leadership for a Diverse Workplace”.

The U.S. Navy employs Sailors and civilians who have diverse backgrounds, cultures, skills, perspectives, and experiences to keep up with challenges that may arise. A vast number of individuals with Asian and Pacific Island heritage serve in the Navy. In fact, there are nearly 19,000 uniformed personnel and more than 29,000 civilians serving in the Navy’s Total Force. Of those, there are six flag officers, 11 members of the Senior Executive Service, three Rear Admirals (sel.) and 137 Master Chiefs. Let us also remember the over 340,000 veterans who previously risked their lives for freedom as well.

To commemorate this annually recognized month, lets take a look at some of the remarkable individuals who currently serve with strength and bravery in the Navy.

Wesley Ishizu was recently acknowledged in February 2010 as Asian American Executive of the Year by the Chinese Institute of Engineers. He is of Japanese heritage and is currently the Mid-Pacific Division Director for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific. Wesley also represented the US Navy as a member of the Facilities Subcommittee of the Joint Committee between the U.S. Government and the Government of Japan.

Crd. H.B. Le was born in Vietnam, but relocated with his family in 1975. Last May, he took command of the USS Lassen (DDG 82) and made a stop in Da Nang, Vietnam to visit his homeland.

Capt. Raquel Cruz Bono was honored in October 2009 by the Filipina Women’s Network as on of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. She is currently the director of TRICARE Management Activity in the Navy and previously served as the Executive Assistant to the Navy Surgeon General at the Bureau of Medicine Surgery.

PS1 Borree Tibi of Filipino descent, received the Military Meritorious Service Award last May from the Federal Asian Pacific American Council. She presently is a Naval reservist.

This month, let’s celebrate these incredible Asian and Pacific American men and women along with all of the past, present, and future Sailors, as they offer a special element to the US Navy.

Here are a few events that highlight the expansion and growth of Asian and Pacific Islanders that may interest you:

Federal Asian/Pacific American Council (FAPAC) – May 3-7, National Harbor, Md.

Japanese American Citizens League National Convention – June 30-July 4, Chicago

Asian Heritage Awards – July 10, San Diego

National Association of Asian and American Professionals – August 12-14, San Francisco

For more information on the history of Asian and Pacific Americans in the Navy, please visit, http://www.history.navy.mil