WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – To celebrate and recognize the influences made by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and native Hawaiians, May is designated as Asian American Pacific Islander Month.
Celebrated every May, AAPI Month recognizes Americans with the proud heritage that encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
Introduced in June 1978, the House and Senate passed a joint resolution to recognize AAPIs that was later signed by President Jimmy Carter on Oct. 5, 1978. AAPI was first declared as AAPI week and in 1992, Congress designated May as AAPI Heritage Month.
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843. In addition, the construction of the transcontinental railroad was completed May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the railroad were Chinese.
This year’s theme for AAPI Month is “Unite Our Mission by Engaging Each Other” and to celebrate the services and sacrifices made by AAPIs, the following events are scheduled throughout the month of May:
- May 2, noon to 1 p.m. – Learn how to make chicken adobo, one of the most popular dishes from the Philippines. AAPI cultural cooking lessons at the Airman and Family Readiness Center kitchen. Class is limited to 10 students. To register, email Master Sgt. Celeste Spears at celeste.spears@us.af.mil by May 1.
- May 8, noon to 1 p.m. – This is how we roll! AAPI cultural cooking lessons at the Airman and Family Readiness Center kitchen. Learn how to make and roll lumpia, a Filipino spring roll. Class is limited to 10 students. To register, email Master Sgt. Celeste Spears at celeste.spears@us.af.mil by May 7.
- May 10, noon to 1 p.m. – AAPI Cultural show at the USO. Showcasing traditional Asian and Pacific Islander attire, a martial arts demonstration and a variety of food samples will be available to taste. POC: Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth McClendon, elizabeth.mcclendon@us.af.mil
- May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – AAPI museum/gallery at the USO. Historical AAPI arts and crafts will be showcased. There will also be a “Passport to Asia” scavenger hunt and food tasting. POCs: Staff Sgt. Devon de Castrique, devon.de_castrique@us.af.mil and Senior Airman Jarrod Reyes, jarrod.r.reyes.mil@mail.mil.
In addition to the AAPI events, each week food truck HaolePino, will be selling Hawaiian-Filipino island cuisine throughout the month of May at various locations on base.
All events are free and open to anyone with base access. For additional information or questions regarding AAPI Month, contact the 2019 AAPI Month Special Observance Committee lead, Master Sgt. Eric Natalicio at (937) 257-1147 or eric.natalicio@us.af.mil.