In honor of May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island hosted a celebration of this culture at the Chapel, May 29.

The event, which was sponsored by Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRC NW), featured exhibits, cultural performances and cuisine to honor their accomplishments in enriching American society.

“We bonded together for the second year to produce a program that will enlighten your soul, stir up your spirits and to acknowledge the contributions of such a rich and colorful heritage,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class (AW) Samnang Loeum, of FRC NW.

Cmdr. Joseph Schauble, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, supply officer, said that Asian Pacific peoples are a “vital part of our history, our life today, and our future.”

“It is very important to take time to recognize your heritage and accomplishments. I know it takes effort; it would be easier just to stay at home and celebrate in spirit, but it’s worth the extra effort,” he said.

The keynote speaker at the event was Washington State Senator Paull Shin, Wash. Vice President Pro Tempore. He told the story of his humble beginnings from being orphaned in Korea at age four to becoming a houseboy at 15 for the U.S. Army during the Korean War for two-and-a-half years, which led to his adoption by an American officer and subsequent move to America.

With no prior formal education, Shin received his General Equivalency Diploma after 20 months. He continued his education to eventually receive his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1974. He was the first Korean-American selected to the Washington State Legislature.

“Many people call America different metaphors; some people call it baseball, Chevrolet and apple pie, some people call it Marilyn Monroe, some people call it a melting pot, what does that mean? Does it mean we melt together so you can’t see color? I don’t think so,” said Shin. “I respectfully disagree; to me, my metaphor is a beautiful piece of a tapestry. There’s a white thread, black thread, brown thread, yellow, green, different color threads. A single thread is weak, but together we are strong and make a beautiful tapestry.”

Testimonials from other, local Asian and Pacific Americans were also included in the program. Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) Ross Sterling, of FRC NW, is a second-generation Asian American.

“During my journey with the Navy I have met many others like me from across the globe,” added Sterling. “Our doors are open, in a sense, to allow anyone and everyone, from here or there, to fight not only with, but for our country. My mother moved here to find a better life; I serve my country to ensure that others like her may continue to do so.”

“Our military and our nation are composed of people from all over the world. The military is diverse and so many people of different backgrounds are fighting to preserve not only our home, but the world; that is American,” said Sterling. “We may not be of American blood, but we are the American Spirit.”