Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett Walker | Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Mark Rubio, from Quezon City,...... read more read more
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NORFOLK —USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) recognizes May as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and why it’s important to celebrate and appreciate their culture and diversity.
Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands.
“I think this month is important because of the history behind Asians and Islanders in the military,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Matthew Ye, from Ridgecrest, California, assigned to Ford’s medical department. “There was once a time in the military where we as Asians or Islanders could only get the more grueling jobs. Now there are so many important leaders out there in the military that are Asian-American or an Islander. I think this month is a celebration to show how far we’ve worked our way up and are getting to share our cultures and ideas with everyone.”
May was selected as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to commemorate the first Japanese immigrant to the United States, May 7, 1943. It’s also to remember when the transcontinental railroad was completed, May 10, 1943. Chinese immigrants made up the majority of workers who set the tracks.
“We’re always a part of history,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Mark Rubio, from Quezon City, Philippines, assigned to Ford’s air department. “It could be a substantial amount at some points or not as much to others, but we’re always there. Our culture is important to remember because of how different it is.”
Ye is proud to be the president of the Gay, Lesbian and Supporting Sailors (GLASS) association aboard Ford as an Asian-American. Ye is showcasing how Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have come a long way from getting the more grueling jobs to being the leader of an association aboard a warship.
“I am very proud to be the president of GLASS,” said Ye. “Being the first Asian-American in GLASS, I want to make history. I want people later down the line to remember the forefathers of [Ford’s] GLASS and see me, an Asian-American, who was once the president and be proud of the heritage.”
As of 2020, approximately only 7 out of 100 Sailors are Asian-American or a Pacific Islander. Rubio was positively shocked and saw the numbers more as an opportunity to grow.
“I honestly think that number is good,” said Rubio. “It may seem like a small number now, but I know it’ll grow. I am in a social media group where Filipinos who are trying to join the military will ask questions on what they need to do to improve themselves to join the military. There are always people who want to join. People may think that number is small, but I see it as a lot.”
“That statistic is hard to believe,” said Ye. “All of us seem to come together as brothers and sisters. When we are together we don’t see race or color, we are just a family. That statistic is honestly shocking to me. My brothers are both in the Navy, as well. One of my brothers is a [gunner’s mate second class] and the other is a lieutenant.”
Rubio is the assistant leading petty officer in Ford’s crash and salvage division. He is not only a leader on the ship, but a leader to everyone around him in his personal life and back home.
“No matter where someone is from or what race they are, they are going to be an example to someone else,” said Rubio. “It’s important that no matter who we are or where we come from that we are always setting the best example at all times.”
For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN78.
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2021 11:51 |
| Story ID: | 396594 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 118 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Ford Recognizes Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, by PO2 Brett Walker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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