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YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Blue Ridge
and U.S. 7th Fleet Multi-Cultural Committee coordinated a ceremony
celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month aboard USS Blue
Ridge’s (LCC 19) mess decks on May 22.
The festivities included inspirational readings from the works of
Mahatma Gandhi and Confucius, as well as taped interviews of Blue
Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet Sailors of Asian descent, discussing their
experiences of growing up in both Asia and America. Marine Col. Enrico
Deguzman, a native of the Philippines, was the keynote speaker,
touching on the importance of our diverse heritage.
“Diversity is what makes America strong,” said De Guzman. “Through our
differences we’re able to bridge and bring together all other cultures
in the world. As ambassadors of the military and America wherever we
are, I want our Sailors and Marines to personify that to whomever they
meet.”
Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (SW) Martha MacKenzie,
president of the multi-cultural committee was proud of the event and
felt that the organization’s goal of equal opportunity and
understanding was appreciated by the crew.
“We’re attempting through the events today to give people some
information on Asian culture,” said MacKenzie. “We want the average
Sailor to know that people of Asian descent aren’t lumped into on
generic stereotype. Throughout the Pacific there are hundreds of
different traditions, religions, and ways of life.”
Flash cards of famous Asians, country flags, and general knowledge
were researched and created to help spread information for the
celebration. Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Khamsai Vangkham
who has Laotian and Thai ancestry accomplished much of the legwork and
was glad to contribute.
“Asia holds such different and distinct cultures among all of its
separate countries and I think that the Navy and Blue Ridge in
particular mirrors that,” said Vangkham. “Blue Ridge is very diverse
but we all get along so well with each other. I wish the rest of the
world was more like here.”
The master of ceremonies for the event was Senior Chief Personnel
Specialist (SW/AW) Glenn Gonzaga, who was born in the Philippines. He
volunteered for the duty because he wanted to make people more aware
of Asian culture. From a deckplate leader’s viewpoint, the ideals of a
culturally diverse workplace and Navy are important.
“Every sailor in the Navy is unique,” said Gonzaga. “It is vital that
on a global scale we have awareness for everyone’s backgrounds and
cultures.”
Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman and serves under
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the
Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the
flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered
at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating
detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
For more information on CTF 76, visit http://www.ctf76.navy.mil.
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