Photo By Sgt. Jason Daniels | Several Asian-Pacific Americans shared pieces of their heritage by dancing at the...... read more read more
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month celebration for soldiers and civilians at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 23 recognized this year’s theme of “Striving for excellence in leadership, diversity and inclusion.” The morning event displayed various presentations of the Asian-Pacific culture, which included Japanese origami and an interactive display from Korea. An iPad located at the Korean display area presented a video of their culture while the Guamanian section gave away Guamanian shell necklaces as gifts for each attendee.
A brief history of the Asian-Pacific American culture was presented prior to the guest speaker, a rear admiral of the United States Navy.
“My story is the traditional San Francisco, Chinese-American story of the 1960’s,” said Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen, director of U.S. Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, Kuwait. “Our grandfathers came to make money to send home to their families in China, but eventually they stayed. Their stories are what define American opportunity and prosperity.”
The celebration also presented cultural dances from Tokelau, Fiji, Somoa and Japan.
“It was a privilege to work with these young [soldiers],” said Sgt. 1st Class Raynolda McKie, 1st Theater Sustainment Command Equal Opportunity Advisor. McKie, also the person behind putting the production together, took on an active role in the celebration by being one of the cultural dancers.
“It was more than just learning the dances; they taught me a lot about their culture – it was an amazing experience.” McKie went on to say that the more that people learn about each other, the better they can work together.
The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month celebration provided ARCENT soldiers an opportunity to learn about other soldiers’ cultures, which ultimately strengthens the communication within the Third Army community.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2012 06:38 |
| Story ID: | 89106 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Leadership, diversity and inclusion fuel Asian-Pacific American Heritage Celebration, by SGT Jason Daniels, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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