FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 26, 2011) - Gen. Eric K. Shinseki credited his mother and the brave Asian Americans who served in World War II for paving the way for his success during a speech at the installation's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Observance.
Shinseki, former Army chief of staff, spoke May 19 to an audience of about 400 people at Club Meade.
"This was a wonderful opportunity to hear from a great leader," said Maj. Edward McCray of the 200th Military Police Command. "He understands Soldiers and leadership."
The annual event was sponsored by the installation command and the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office. First Army Division East hosted the two-hour program featuring Shinseki as keynote speaker.
"As a third-generation American of Japanese ancestry, I've stood on some mighty broad shoulders of two preceding generations who granted me opportunity and earned for me respect," Shinseki said.
Shinseki reflected on the sacrifices made by his mother, an orphan who, at age 12, worked multiple jobs to help support her seven siblings.
"She made a death-bed promise to her father that she would keep the children together," he said.
Although his mother never graduated from eighth grade, she raised several children and became a successful businesswoman on her own.
"This is not unique," Shinseki said. "This is a story that most of us have in our background. Our forebearers came to this country with the same hopes and dreams, and it was to provide us with opportunity."
Shinseki spoke about the diversity of the Asian Pacific American community-- some 18.5 million people with cultures rooted in more than 40 countries, a "unique blend of nationalities, cultures, languages, dialects and religions," he said.
Shinseki called Asian Pacific Americans "a courageous people" who left distant homelands in search of a better life.
"Our search has been a quest for justice, equality, peace and freedom -- ideals not always available in the old countries," he said. "It was the promise of opportunity that was compelling -- opportunity founded on education and initiative."
In his brief introduction, Maj. Gen. Kevin R. Wendel, commander of First Army Division East, called Shinseki "an extraordinary leader who has devoted his entire adult life to service and to our nation."
Shinseki was nominated by President Barack Obama in December 2008 to serve as secretary of Veterans Affairs. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 2009.
The following day he was sworn in as the seventh secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Shinseki previously served as Army chief of staff from 1999 to 2003.
In his remarks, Shinseki said that although Asian Pacific Americans have made strides in fields, ranging from science, technology and medicine to education and the arts, their accomplishments in the military are especially noteworthy.
"Asian Americans in uniform have written boldly across the pages of our military history -- and advanced our social well-being at the same time," he said, giving special credit to the men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
The unit, also known as "Go For Broke," was made up of Japanese American men who fought primarily in Europe during World War II. The families of many of its Soldiers were subject to internment.
Shinseki praised the unit for its bravery and valor, noting that its 4,500 members earned seven Presidential Unit Citations, more than 9,400 Purple Hearts and 21 Medals of Honor.
The unit served in World War II for three years and then was deactivated.
"Had they not done what they did, I wouldn't be standing here today," Shinseki said. "They changed my opportunity to live in this country without suspicion -- to compete -- because they did their duty."
In closing, Shinseki said the legacy of Asian Pacific Americans in the military is the legacy of all Americans.
"Today, we celebrate our diversity and the courage of Asian and Pacific pioneers who immigrated to this land of opportunity," he said. "Let us keep the flame of their dreams alive. Let us preserve the cultures and traditions in this land of the free and home of the brave."
After the speech, the audience enjoyed a lunch catered by a local Chinese restaurant.
"It was an outstanding presentation," said Kenneth McCall, co-chairperson of the Fort Meade Retiree Council and a veteran. "I'm proud I could hear [Shinseki] talk today."
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