USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea –
A celebration was held in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at the River Bend Golf Course ballroom on USAG Humphreys on May 20, 2022.
The celebration included guest speaker Lt. Gen Scott Pleus, USFK Deputy Commander, a Q&A session with a panel of AANHPI leaders within our military community, a recognition ceremony, and a range of cultural performances that honored the different cultures represented at this event.
“Events like this celebrate the culture of the people who bring cultural diversity to our force,” said Pleus. “We highlight this month, but it doesn’t end at the end of the month; we will continue to celebrate and recognize the diversity that brings all our different perspectives together.”
AANHPI Heritage Month was first observed as a 10-day celebration in 1977, becoming an annual observance in 1978 under President Jimmy Carter, and then extended to a full month by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.
“It’s an opportunity to honor, share and learn from the tremendous accomplishments and contributions made by AANHPIs to our great nation, culture and society,” said Col. Lance Aiumopas, Deputy Judge Advocate for United Nations Command and United States Forces Korea, as well as Staff Judge Advocate for the Air Force Element, USFK. “Events like these also bring exceptional people together from diverse, complex backgrounds and experiences, to inspire and be inspired.”
The panel Q&A offered several leaders from all levels of the force, both Air Force and Army, the opportunity to speak about their experiences as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders within the military community.
“Recognition such as this is a beautiful way to celebrate diversity and honor the contributions of a community that helped to build the United States of America into what it is today,” said Maj. Romelo Delosantos, UNC Communications Strategy Deputy Chief and one of the event’s main organizers. “It serves as a great reminder to the AANHPI community to be proud of the legacies and accomplishments of those who led the way and that we are an integral part of the American melting pot.”
At the conclusion of the formal speaking portion of the event, attendees were treated to cultural performances by the South Pacific Warriors of Korea, a Korean fusion band, a Philippine Folk dance group, and a K-pop group.
“Celebrating our diversity brings an opportunity for people to be an inspiration,” said Pleus. “It’s our responsibility to inspire the next generation.”
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