R 281558Z APR 16
MARADMIN 223/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2016 ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH//
POC/LENER J. GADEA/SGT/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Since 1977, the month of May has been designated to recognize the achievements and contributions to the American story by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).   May denotes several events in AAPI history, including:  the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States in 1843, the finalization of the transcontinental railroad that was accomplished in 1869 by predominantly Chinese immigrants, and AAPI service and contributions in our armed services. The theme for this year's observance is, "Walk together, embrace differences, and build legacies."
2.  "With courage, grit, and an abiding belief in American ideals, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have challenged our Nation to be better"- President Barack Obama.
Not only has the AAPI community challenged our nation to be better, but they have served defending our nation, many paying the ultimate sacrifice. Presently, 33 AAPIs have been awarded the Medal of Honor: one during peacetime, one during the Philippine-American War, 24 during World War II, four during the Korean War, and three during the Vietnam War.
3.  Additionally, it is important to recognize stories such as Chew-Een Lee, born in Sacramento, California and the son of Chinese immigrants.  Lee first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1946.  Before hostilities broke out in Korea, First Lieutenant Lee served with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.  As a platoon commander in that unit, Lee received America's second highest combat award, the Navy Cross.  On November 2-3, 1950, Lee's platoon came under heavy attack.  Despite being outnumbered, Lee exposed himself to fire as he personally reconnoitered the area to better re-deploy his machine gun posts within the defensive perimeter. He reorganized his unit and moved up the enemy-held slope.  Despite serious wounds, he pressed forward ultimately driving the hostile forces from the area.
4.  While AAPI communities have roots that span the globe, their success stories are uniquely American:  descendants of immigrants, the building of America, and serving our nation.  Commanders are encouraged to take time to recognize and celebrate the contributions AAPIs have made to our nation and armed services.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events both on base and in the local community, and to develop local themes for use at their commands.
5.  Release authorized by BGen G. W. Smith, Jr., Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//