Federal Asian-Pacific American Council president Alexander Chan, left, presents Army Reserve Command Master Sgt. Norah Valentine Rentillo the council's Military Meritorious Service Award during DoD's Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month luncheon and awards ceremony May 14. Photo by Rudi Williams.

Military's Asian-Pacific Americans Honored for Outstanding Contributions
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

More than 800 people quietly watched as eight Asian-Pacific American service members were fêted for their outstanding contributions to their services and communities during DoD's observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month here May 14.

Service members from each service, including the Coast Guard, Army and Air National Guards, and the Reserves, were presented the Federal Asian-Pacific American Council's military meritorious service award during ceremonies. The event was held in conjunction with the 18th Annual Federal Asian-Pacific American Council's National Leadership and Training Conference.

This marked the second year in a row that DoD has held its own observance of Asian- Pacific American Heritage Month. In the past, DoD participated in forums and other events.
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