Celebrating Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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  • By Public Affairs staff
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELLL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Staff Sgt. Bryant Warren, 22nd Air Refueling Wing equal opportunity NCOIC, contributed to this story

For the past 47 years, the Department of Defense has observed May as a time to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans, both past and present.

Consequently the month provides an opportunity for Airmen to better understand why the Air Force takes the time to honor the diverse cultures of these countries.

The term Asian-Pacific Islander is used in the United States to identify both Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Even though they are separate races with several distinct cultures, during of May, Airmen officially and collectively celebrate both cultures who have contributed to the American arts, medicine, politics, entertainment, sports and so much more.

To celebrate Asian-Pacific Islander month here, the McConnell Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee has planned several of events during May.

These events include a lumpia making class 4:30 to 6 p.m. May 7 at the 22nd Medical Group lower level conference room, free Asian themed dinner at 6:30 p.m. May 10 at the Robert J. Dole Community Center ballroom, an Asian Pacific-Islander Festival 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RJDCC, free movie night at 7 p.m. May 20 at the RJDCC, and Family Luau Night 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 21 at the RJDCC.

These events are an opportunity for Airmen to experience and learn about the Asian-Pacific Islander culture.

In addition to events that acknowledge Asian Pacific Heritage Month is a time to highlight famous Asian Pacific accomplishments:

Steven Chu, who won the Nobel Prize in physics.
Maya Lin, architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorials.
Jerry Yang, the co-founder of Yahoo.
Michelle Kwan, world and Olympic figure skating champion.
For more information about events and Asian Pacific-Islander Heritage

Month contact the Dole Community Center, at 759-6023.