Los Angeles District celebrates Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Story and photo by Daniel J. Calderón
 Dr. Lynn Heirakuji, Ph.D., the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (Personnel Oversight) addresses Los Angeles District employees during a May 8 speech.
“The month of May provides us an opportunity to celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage,” offered Col. Thomas H. Magness IV, district commander. “We recognize and celebrate the immeasurable contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our Nation's -- and this district's -- well-being.” When introducing Heirakuji, Lt. Col. Glen Reed, deputy district commander, echoed Magness’ comments and said he felt it important for all Corps employees to understand how important Asian-Pacific Americans are to the Corps and to the nation. “I’m not sure how many of you had the chance to look at the e-mail sent by Col. Magness,” Reed said, referring to a message sent by Magness referencing several Web sites including http://www.asian-nation.org/heritage.shtml; http://www.infoplease.com/spot/asianhistory1.html and http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011602.html. “Did you know about one quarter of the employees in our district are Asian Pacific Americans?” Reed emphasized how strong the country is through its diverse base. He then expressed his appreciation to Heirakuji as he introduced her to the assembled Corps audience.
“The nation draws strength from its diversity,” he said. “On behalf of the district, I would like to share our sincere gratitude for you being here. We’re all the better for it.” “Part of this celebration encourages all of us to take some time to learn about this rich and beautifully unique heritage,” Magness explained. Heirakuji gave a little lesson on the origin of Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month and said she was proud to be speaking to the Corps employees. “I want to thank you for the fine work you do for the Army Corps of Engineers here in the Los Angeles District,” Heirakuji said. “It’s important that when I travel I take time to thank civilians and Soldiers I meet.” In her official capacity, Heirakuji acts for, advises and assists the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the development, implementation and review of the military and civilian personnel programs, plans, polices and budgets. During her speech, Heirakuji also gave a little bit of her personal history.
Her father was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team – one of the most decorated units in World War II – made up of Americans of Asian ancestry. Her grandparents were immigrants who worked in the sugar cane fields on the Big Island of Hawaii and later moved to the island of Oahu. From this background, Heirakuji has lived a life of public service throughout her professional career. She commented on how young people are almost constantly connected via the internet, cell phones, text messaging and other electronic media. “Social observers have called the current group of 17-25 year olds, sometimes called "Millennials," the most connected kids in the history of the nation,” she said. Even so, she said she is impressed by how many young people today are willing to turn down jobs in the private sector for careers in public service. Heirakuji said she has seen reports of how private companies are struggling to recruit qualified candidates because so many people are turning to public service in response to the sense of fulfillment they feel from the daily work. She praised the gathered Corps employees and once again thanked them for their service.
“I thought it was a very powerful speech,” said Sophia Huynh, who has worked in the regulatory division for the last two years. “America was built by immigrants and they all have a story. It’s all about hard work, dedication and patience. I think anyone can relate.” Phuong Trinh, the district’s Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage special emphasis program manager, said she enjoyed Heirakuji’s speech because it highlighted an important aspect of what it means to be American. With the stories from her father about the war and from her grandparents about working in the sugar cane fields of Hawaii before it became the 50th state, Trinh said Heirakuji’s experiences are valuable to hear.
“It’s important for other people who might not know what it’s like to be a second or third generation immigrant,” she said. “She was able to give us a very interesting piece of what that experience is like.” Overall, Heirakuji and others at the celebration stressed how important it is to understand that the observation is intended to be inclusive. The recognition, according to Heirakuji, is meant to bring everyone together in a spirit of the shared American experience. | 
