Asian Pacific

Photo By Spc. Anna-Marie Risner | Antonino Tue, a native of Samoa, dances to Tele l'a ole Sami as part of Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration at Forward Operating Base Warrior.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

05.15.2006

Story by Spc. Anna-Marie Risner 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KIRKUK, Iraq (May 6, 2006) -- Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Warrior celebrated their diversity today with a program showcasing Asian Pacific culture.

Soldiers and airmen from Hawaii, Samoa, Palau, along with security force personnel from Fiji, performed dances and songs celebrating their heritage.

Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto, command sergeant major, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, acted as emcee for the night, introducing performers and giving background on their acts. The Samoa native also got into the show, leading a group in the Haka, a tribal war dance.

The Fijian group also performed some traditional folk songs from their home, such as Loma Loma and Red, White and Navy Blue -- sung in their native tongue, as well as a Fijian War Dance. Vimoto explained the dance was performed prior to village men going off to battle. Today the dance is often seen before the Fiji rugby team takes the field -- a means of intimidation for their opponents.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Sherry Mathews, a native of Hawaii, performed numbers both meaningful and sensual, showing off one of the islands" best-known dances, the hula.

Another Hawaii native, Chris Thomas, performed interpretive dance, as well as a routine usually seen at the close of a Hawaiian celebration, the Taualuga.

Audience participation was encouraged, especially during the Hukilau, performed by Mathews and Marla Tchemurer, and the Snake Dance, a conga-line like dance from Fiji.

The night ended with a group performance of Isa Isa -- a farewell song wrapping up the celebration. Performers and speakers also left the audience with something they all celebrate, embracing the diverse cultural "melting pot" that makes up our U.S. military.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2006
• Date Posted: 05.15.2006 11:46
• Story ID: 6381
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ