NSWC Dahlgren Division hosts Asian American and Pacific Islander Observance

NSWC Dahlgren Division hosts Asian American and Pacific Islander Observance

By Morgan Tabor, NSWCDD Corporate Communications

The history of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and the United States dates back centuries. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month observance May 23, in celebration of AAPI culture, traditions and contributions.

Since the 19^th century, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders of several nationalities and ancestries, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Southeast Asian, Asian Indian and Polynesian, have served and sacrificed in the U.S. Armed Forces. The observance originated in a congressional bill in 1977 by U.S. Reps. Frank Horton and Norman Mineta.

NSWCDD's AAPI event began with opening remarks from Commanding Officer Capt. Philip Mlynarski. Maria Hutt-Clark, who supports the High Power Microwave Effects and Model and Simulation Branch, acted as the moderator for the "Coming to America" panel. The virtual and in-person event showcased six NSWCDD employees, sharing their heritage and personal stories.

Dhruva Mishra, Sabrina Lau, Sheba Godbey, Tzawe Wang, Huong Pham and Maria Hutt-Clark each discussed their unique childhood experiences and answered several questions relating to their heritage, their migration to the States and their career journeys at NSWCDD.

This event gave the audience an opportunity to hear first-hand personal anecdotes as well as see their colleagues in a new light. Marcella Bushrod, an NSWCDD Affirmative Employment, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program manager said, "Events like this help educate us on the different cultures that are among us and open opportunities to get to know each other, so we can also become more aware of one another."

"The AAPI community has helped shape America's character and identity through their strong values, love of family and commitment to the community," Mlynarski said. "Their talent and hard work have added to the success and prosperity of our nation and military."

"Today's presentation was a valuable lesson in the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders coming to the U.S. It confirms the amazing opportunities that the U.S. has afforded so many people in various walks of life to find their path within the communities and organizations in which they serve," said Godbey

The AAPI community reminds us that even though we come from diverse backgrounds and origins, we all serve a common purpose and support the same warfighter. This May and every day, the Navy joins the Department of Defense to memorialize the contributions and dedicated service of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, past and present, in defense of the Nation.