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Retired Gen. Shinseki speaks to Soldiers, civilians during AAPI Heritage Month

By Maureena Thompson, Army Futures CommandMay 30, 2023

Retired Gen. Erik K. Shinseki speaks to an audience of Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians at Army Futures Command headquarters in downtown Austin, Texas, on May 25, 2023.
Retired Gen. Erik K. Shinseki speaks to an audience of Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians at Army Futures Command headquarters in downtown Austin, Texas, on May 25, 2023, as part of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. (Photo Credit: Patrick Hunter, U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

AUSTIN, Texas — Our nation’s achievements are driven and sustained by Americans of every background, including those belonging to the Asian American Pacific Islander community – a fact the Army, U.S. military and American public recognize every May during AAPI Heritage Month.

On May 24, former Veterans Affairs Secretary and Army Chief of Staff retired Gen. Eric K. Shinseki visited Army Futures Command headquarters in Austin to discuss Army transformation with senior leaders and to speak to Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians about the important contributions members of the AAPI community have made to the U.S. military.

“Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have a long, intricate military history with this country,” Shinseki said. “They go back to the War of 1812."

Shinseki’s speech, which highlighted critical missions led and supported by outstanding U.S. service members from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and other AAPI backgrounds, was delivered as part of a broader Army Futures Command educational program on AAPI Heritage Month.

Army Futures Command staff members join the Hiti Mahana Polynesian performance group in a traditional dance during the command’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance in Austin.
Army Futures Command staff members join the Hiti Mahana Polynesian performance group in a traditional dance during the command’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance in Austin, Texas, May 25, 2023. (Photo Credit: Patrick Hunter, U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 2023 theme for AAPI Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” The observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history of the nation, to recognize and honor their service, and to foster inclusive environments where people of all backgrounds can reach their full potential and be all they can be.

Army Futures Command’s recognition of AAPI Heritage Month included historical insights provided by Shinseki, remarks by Army Futures Command personnel, participation of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce and a traditional Polynesian dance performance.

Soldiers with Army Futures Command’s Support Battalion dish up traditional dishes from Hawaii, the Philippines and China during the command’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance.
Soldiers with Army Futures Command’s Support Battalion dish up traditional dishes from Hawaii, the Philippines and China during the command’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance in Austin, Texas, May 25, 2023. (Photo Credit: Patrick Hunter, U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

An array of culinary offerings, from chicken adobo to pork egg rolls to vegetable pancit, followed the program and helped to mark the command’s special celebration of AAPI heritage in the Army.

The event simultaneously served as a reminder of how the diversity of the U.S. Army — and the enduring achievements of its Soldiers — has served over the years to increase broader cultural awareness, understanding and appreciation.

The Army, which is known for instilling leadership, teamwork, discipline and skill, is also “the biggest vehicle for social change and social improvement,” said Gen. James E. Rainey, commanding general of Army Futures Command.

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