May Heritage Month (CH Patty Jenkins)
Hello, and peace to you today. This is CH (MAJ) Patty Jenkins with the 63d Readiness Division.
Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage is celebrated in the U.S. throughout the month of May. Having lived in Illinois most of my life, I did not encounter as many Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, who settled mostly on the west coast. Now that I live in California, I am delighted to learn more about my Army and my country! I was surprised to learn there are more than 300,000 living Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American veterans.
As the youngest of four children, and a female who happens to be (ahem) on the short side of average, I know something about feeling not-seen. As comedian Margaret Cho says, “The power of visibility can never be underestimated.” One value of being an American Soldier is the opportunity to see and experience things most people will not. But even more important, is the opportunity to meet and serve alongside people whose roots span the country, and the world.
The monotony of our ongoing Covid-19 is a fine invitation to share your Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with your buddies, and to explore the vast expanse of art, literature, language, and food it contains! If you want to learn more, visit www.asianpacificheritage.gov. For team and family fun, check out https://teambuilding.com/blog/asian-heritage-month-ideas.
“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” –Thich Nhat Hanh
Here is the direct email and phone number for anyone requesting support from the 63d RD Chaplain office,
usarmy.usarc.63-rsc.list.chaplain-all-users@mail.mil
650-526-9668