AAPI month observance goes back to traditional format as Kirtland hits HPCON Alpha+

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Kirtland’s recent health protection-condition downgrade means a more traditional AAPI observance. And yes, lunch will be served.

The Team Kirtland AAPI Committee has consulted with Kirtland’s Public Health professionals and planned for a more normal slate of events with appropriate precautions and measures in place. An annual tradition at Kirtland, the popular AAPI events were curtailed in 2020 amid COVID-driven restrictions.

The committee is excited to get their normal schedule of events going this month, according to one of the committee leads, Tech Sgt. Ferdinand Hooper.

“The council members are very excited to resume and execute our annual celebration, recognizing the accomplishments of AAPI members in the military and our community,” he said. “It always thrills us to educate and showcase our culture, heritage, history, and most especially our delicious food. It’s always fun to see many smiling faces and to hear positive conversation that these events facilitate. These are the types of events that solidify that we are all in one team!”

Hooper said this year’s AAPI theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service,” is especially poignant.

“This means advancing and empowering leaders with values to create positive culture, better community, and a brighter future for everyone through education,” he said. “It’s about mentoring future leaders and showing them what it’s like to lead driven with a purpose.”

Upcoming AAPI events include:

  • Youth Center Arts & Crafts May 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Youth Center
  • Main Event - Cultural Show & Luncheon May 25 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marques Park.

The main event will include multiple performers and food plates to-go including rice, pancit, Kahlua Pork, teriyaki beef, lumpia, ono mochi cake, and guava cake for $10 a box.

To order food for the May 25 luncheon, ticket POCs are being selected in each unit. Ticket POCs should email Amn 1st Class Giarri Soriano at giarri.soriano@us.af.mil with the amount of tickets needed for the unit and to coordinate ticket payments and pick-up. Payment for tickets is cash only. Ticket POCs must have all payments collected by May 21.