The 1st Annual 2009 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month event
Leadership to Meet the Challenges of a new World

 Marilou Adams, Antonio Hori

 Photo by Gary Lau

May 22, 2009

The Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrated its First Annual
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month event on May 22. The
theme was “Leadership to Meet the Challenges of a new World”.

This event could not have been accomplished with out the love, dedication and support from our AAPI Committee members and our volunteers that allowed us to share this magnifi cent moment with all the Veterans and staff from our facility.
We were able to share part of our diverse heritage, traditions,
food, culture and foremost the pride of being Asian.

The celebration was led by myself and Marilou Adams as Co-Managers for the
event. We started with the playing of The National Anthem performed by our young
and beautiful Kristina Castillo; the Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Doukas, gave the opening
remarks by reminding us of how “Throughout our history, Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders have defended our liberty and freedom through serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. According to the Department of Defense latest figures, over 58,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are currently serving in the armed forces. Today, as in the past, their dedication and service to advancing liberty and freedom make our country strong. About 15,880 Asian Americans and Pacifi c Islanders, which represents 6.3 percent of the total employee population, currently work in VA”.

The event was followed by a video presentation “Travel to Asia”, offered by Asia Trend Magazine, a musical solo by our rising star Kristina Castillo, a Tai Chi demonstration led by OVAMC’s own Kinesiotherapist Rene Changsut, a Taekwondo presentation by Victory Martial Arts, an extraordinary musical played with the Angklung by the OFSDA Group led by Robert Galera, a Philippine Folk Dance (Rice dance) and an astonishing costume parade led by all staff representing
their country with their traditional attire.

The event had it all, a Chinese Calligrapher, Peter Lau, a Japanese sword display
and sushi offerings by Dr. Jewell Geddie and Carlos Hori, Chinese Art and cuisine served by Yueh-Hsia Chen, Robin Shear and Simone Minto-Pennant, a Hawaiian display by Amy Dixon and Frances Alequin and a fresh fruit display with our hot Filipino food served by our own beloved mentor Dr. Rosalia Dy
and our admired Nurses, Emma Pittman, Faith Gonzales and Al Cachero.

On behalf of the Asian Committee members, we would like to thank Shally Wong,
Peter Lau, China Garden, and Glen Leong, President of the Asian American Chambers
of Commerce for taking part of what we hope to be beginning of a new relationship and to continue the effort to educate and show just how beautiful the Asian Heritage really is. If you or your company are interested in participating for the next years event please feel free to contact me at 321-397-6444 or by email Antonio.Hori@va.gov and/or Marilou Adams at 407-646-4385 or by email Marilou.Adams@va.gov.

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