MacDill celebrates diversity with Asian American, Pacific Islander heritage month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing

May was designated by Congress as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, in which Chinese immigrants played a significant role in building.

 In honor of the commemorative month, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, hosted a celebratory luncheon May 16, 2019.

The event featured a Polynesian dance performance, various foods from the Asian and Pacific regions, and a keynote speech by U.S. Air Force Col. Jiffy Seto, the 6th Medical Group Chief of Medical Staff.

“Diversity is about learning about one another and the knowledge that we have to innovate our activities and make them better,” explained Seto, recalling how diversity strengthens teams.

The event, served as a capstone for the month-long celebration established to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

“We hope everyone enjoyed the program and the food!” said the event’s organizer Staff Sgt. Jeremy Guancia.