ASIAN-AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE

 

 

 

 

Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in May in recognition of the contributions made by people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States.

The Army joins the nation in honoring Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent for their military and civilian service within the department. These individuals have proudly served in America's Army from the Civil War to current operations all around the world.

The "Asian-American and Pacific Islander" designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic or language groups, including native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. There are now more recognized Asian and Pacific Islander groups than in the past, with 28 Asian and 19 Pacific Islander subgroups representing a vast array of languages and cultures.

The observance began when Congress passed a joint congressional resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Week during the first week of May. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time:
•The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America in 1843.
•The completion of the transcontinental railroad.

U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Christian Lance Relleve from the 453rd Chemical Battalion in Bell, California, speaks about his heritage on May 3, 2022, in Muscatatuck, Indiana.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, members of the Alegado family share parallels in their Filipino heritage and their experience as a military family. Members of the Alegado family immigrated to the U.S. from San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. Leon Orange)
Capt. Vancamp Popese, 100th Battalion, talks about what service means to him and talks about his family's legacy of service. Also interviewed is his dad, Popese Popese Jr., talking about life in the military and why he served for his family.
Mothers inspire us to be better people. One Army Reserve Soldier and mother demonstrates this in an exceptional way to her children and inspires them to continue her legacy. Interviews: Spc. Jeremy Revera 9th Mission Support Command Sgt. Jody Peter 1984th U.S. Army Hospital
Lt. Col. Charles Djou of the 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve, talks about what makes American Samoa a unique and significant place to serve. In the month of May, we celebrate the rich history and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and recognize their profound impact on the readiness and future of America's Army Reserve.
IN THE NEWS
USACAPOC (A) Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage con...

News
May. 31, 2022

Although culture is celebrated year-round, May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. According to...
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Lt. Relleve - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

First in the family to become an American and a ...

News
May. 09, 2022

Meet U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Christian Lance Relleve, the staff section officer in charge of the 453rd...
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311th Signal Command (Theater)

311th Signal Command (Theater); 25 Years of Sign...

News
Jul. 01, 2021

June 16 marked the 25th anniversary of the 311th Signal Command (Theater). The command’s rich history and its...
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“When I was in China, there was no chance I could serve in the military; I didn’t know the right people, I didn’t come from the right family, I wasn’t the right height, I did not have the right eyesight or look,” said, 1st Lt. Savannah Lee of the 3d Medical Command (Deployment Support).

There's Nothing You Can’t Do If You Put Your Hea...

News
May. 20, 2021

“When I was in China, there was no chance I could serve in the military; I didn’t know the right people, I...
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Legal Command Soldiers, civilians honor Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Legal Command Soldiers, civilians honor Asian-Am...

News
May. 20, 2021

Soldiers and civilians of the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command observed Asian-American and Pacific Islander...
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Defense Logistics Agency Civilian Gee Hyun McNease, deployed as the deputy commander of the DLA Support Team-Kuwait at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, is a native of the Republic of Korea. McNease said her first consciousness of America was from her parents, who were grateful to American Soldiers who liberated her country from the Communists.

1st TSC personnel at Camp Arifjan reflect on the...

News
May. 20, 2021

Personnel deployed here opened up about their own personal histories and how their Asian culture influences...
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ARMY PRIORITY

Army leaders sustain force capability by properly seeking out, accessing, developing and fully utilizing the individual talents and backgrounds of Soldiers.

Army leadership values the honorable service of all the Service members. In May, a special acknowledgment of Asian and Pacific American Service members, past and present, is prioritized.

Army leadership at installations and National Guard/Army Reserve locations will focus on recognizing Soldiers and civilians of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and their past exploits to present day mission support. The goal is to raise awareness and understanding of their service and sacrifice made throughout history.