Photo By Sgt. Allyson Parla | Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron pose for a photo outside...... read more read more
By: Sgt. Allyson Parla
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Born in Hawaii, Ellison Onizuka entered active duty with the U.S. Air Force in January 1970. Onizuka was initially an aerospace flight test engineer before becoming a mission specialist on the Discovery and Challenger space shuttles.
This leader is among thousands of Asian Pacific Islanders who have distinguished themselves as great leaders, warriors, and decorated members of the Armed Forces who continue to serve the United States. Approximately 200 service members, contractors, civilians and other government workers arrived at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center May 14 to celebrate and pay tribute to the heritage of Asian Pacific Islanders, the people indigenous to the entire Asian continent and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
For at least the past two years, this was the first time that an event honoring Asian Pacific Islanders was organized on JBB, said Kuka Toleafoa, the master of ceremony for the celebration, and a Samoan native who is also an adjutant for the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade. Toleafoa retired from the Army as a chief warrant officer after 24 years of service in human resources.
“Qi,” or energy, filled the air of the MWR in which Fijian, Samoan, Tahitian, Chamorros (natives of Guam) and Hawaiian ethnicities, among others were proudly recognized by dancers who performed dances native to these cultures.
“They were very motivated guys, and they wanted to do it. They were just like locals,” said Toleafoa of the nine airmen from the 154th Air National Guard unit based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam who performed a Samoan “slap” dance.
Covered with “tatau,” or tattoos in popular culture, the dancers also performed the “haka,” a Maori war chant.
“Mauluulu,” a dance performed by four female service members representing the Tahitian culture also entertained the crowds here, said Staff Sgt. Salofi Leasiolagi, the non-commissioned officer in charge of police services for the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
Dancers for the event ensured guests were well fed.
“We bought two pigs from the PX,” said Leasiolagi about the beasts that roasted outside of the center while the celebration commenced.
“When we have these type of things, food is probably the most important,” said Toleafoa, a Samoan native. Whether you have a 20-minute presentation or a two-hour presentation, if people’s stomachs are full, they are happy.”
The feats that Asian Pacific Islanders have accomplished throughout the years is no secret. Their accomplishments are memorable. And their distinction extends beyond the military.
Take, for example, Doua Thor, the executive director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, a Hmong refugee who fought alongside the U.S. during the Vietnam War and who was later appointed by President Obama to the Asian Pacific Islander Committee. Taro Akebono, the worlds best sumo wrestler, an American who holds the sole Yokozuna title, the highest classification in Japan’s most traditional sport. Dr. Steven Chu, the distinguished scientist and co-winner of the Nobel Prize for physics who, as the United States Secretary of Energy, is working on investing in clean energy, addressing the global climate crisis and reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
“I’m hoping that people who attended realize that the Asian Pacific people are doing well and contributing a lot to the forces,” Toleafoa said.
Acknowledgement of Asian Pacific Islanders this month was no coincidence.
May was chosen in order to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843, Tolefoa said.
“It was enacted into public law 102-450 on 28 Oct 1992,” he said.
He added that it also marks the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed mainly by Chinese immigrants.
It is important to not only understand the history of Asian Pacific Islanders, but of their achievements and courage, he said. They gave their life to serve their country. We are proud of our culture and we continue to serve our country, Toleafoa said.
“I hope that people do not judge us by our culture, but by our accomplishments,” he said.
Aside from the historical recognition of Asian Pacific Islanders, service members were able to display pride for their culture.
Leasiolagi said the main reason he decided to participate in this event was to promote cultural awareness and educate people on what this culture is all about. He said he’s fortunate to still have his culture and it’s very important to hold onto culture if you have it.
In 1986, the Challenger exploded, and Onizuka died, but there are many great leaders in the armed forces still representing the Asian Pacific community. All they have achieved and accomplished were recognized and guests were given an opportunity to learn something new about an unfamiliar culture. The amount of service members and civilians who came together and worked so hard to ensure that guests were entertained, fed and happy proves the legacy of Asian Pacific Islanders lives on in the military.
“We value friendship and happiness,” said Leasiolagi, a Samoan native. “We’re known as the ‘happy people,’” he said about the people he represented, signifying what it means to be living “Fa’a Samoa” - the Samoan way.
| Date Taken: | 05.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2011 06:10 |
| Story ID: | 70849 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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