Starting off with a loud "aloha," Fort Sill's annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month a packed house celebrated the culture May 22 at the Patriot Club.
This year's theme for the observance is "I Am Beyond."
The theme is a phrase that has been a motivator for Asian American and Pacific Islanders. They have always pushed to excel through challenges that have limited equal opportunity in America. Tickets sold out to the event, showing Fort Sill's devotion to appreciating it's heritage from all walks of life.
"The United States has been built on the combined values of so many cultures," said Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, commanding general of Fort Sill and the Fires Center of Excellence said. "Diversity is at the heart of our success, both as a nation and as an Army. It gives us strength, flexibility, and understanding because of the many different backgrounds we have the privilege of sharing with one another."
The entertainment for the celebration was provided by the Kealii School of Dance and the Filipino American Association Dancers as well as the 77th Army Band. The Kealii school danced to the cheers of the crowd, furthering their goal of perpetuating the Polynesian culture through the dances of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Tokelau. The dancers wore traditional costumes, including traditional dresses, some featuring colorful tassels and shell necklaces complete with vibrant Hawaiian head pieces. The dancers entertained the audience with a variety of dances.
Maj. Marny Skindrud, 168 Brigade Support Battalion executive officer, was the event's master of ceremonies.
"I'm happy that our brigade is responsible for hosting the Asian Pacific Islander luncheon and that I am lucky enough to host it, especially being a Polynesian dancer myself," she said.
Skindrud proved her love for Hawaiian culture by showing her skill along with the other Kealii school dancers. She has danced with the group for 11 years.
"It's nice to be proud of a culture that is not originally my own and to share that pride with others, which I believe is a wonderful representation of the Army's Equal Opportunity program," she said.
Traveling from Fort Hood, Texas to speak to the guests, Maui native and 1st Army Division West Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Akuna took the stage.
He opened with a video of a Maori Haka, a chant and dance that is a traditional war cry or challenge that postures the warriors for battle. He spoke of his Hawaiian roots and how May is significant because it was in May 1843 when the first Japanese arrived in America. Now, 170 years later, over 19 million Americans can trace their roots to Asia or the Pacific Islands.
Akuna highlighted Asian and Pacific Islanders who made significant contributions to American society to include military leaders, Medal of Honor awardees, activists and celebrities.
His family comes from a strong line of military might. His son is in 3rd Battalion, 75th Rangers, his brother is a Special Forces master sergeant, and his father served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, one of 17 Soldiers from his company who survived the Battle of Dark Hill 875 in Vietnam.
People gobbled up a Hawaiian style meal, and everyone left with a greater understanding of the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made on the world and the U.S. military.
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