Richmond, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Planning Process Directorate in conjunction with the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, celebrate Asian- American Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 1-31 by spotlighting DLA Aviation employee Lamberto Manzo Jr.
Name: Lamberto Delrosario Manzo Jr.
Title: equipment specialist
Where do you physically work and what organization do you report to? Instruments Division, DLA Aviation-San Diego
How long have you worked for DLA? five years, three as a contractor
What does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you? To me as an Asian-American, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month that reminds me to be more thankful and to be humbled by the generation before me.
Whether Asian-Americans or Pacific Islanders from one year to 100 years ago, they have accomplished things to pave the road for me and my family and I must do the same. In order to lead, there must be one follower. This is what I mean by following the ones before me.
My father, Lamberto Delrosario Manzo, joined the U. S. Navy from the Philippines. The Philippines is a nice country, but my father wanted to give my mother a better life. He knew he would be sacrificing his life in order to maintain the liberties of my mother and other U.S. citizens. My brothers, cousins and I have done the same in serving our country, the United States of America. My family believes in unity.
Tell us something unique about your heritage or country of origin: My family loves to be together on every holiday and even every weekend. We know life is short. My mother passed away from leukemia when my sisters and I were young. This could happen to anyone of us. We do this to make sure our families do not lose contact. We know kids get older and we do, too.
What misconception about your heritage or country of origin would you like to correct? There are a couple of things: food choices and the country’s safe travel policy. Filipinos are known to have dined on canine. I’ve heard about those who have; but I personally have not. The Philippines is a nice country to visit and discover, but it does have its bad places as well, so everyone still needs to be careful when on vacation or visiting.
What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you? My family, from the day I was born, has shown me hard work must be accomplished in order for things to be right. My family and I enjoy getting together. We have potlucks and picnics. These are the days we do our future planning of family getaways to beaches in the summer and “staycations” [vacationing at home] in our areas. We also have strong religious values. I would love for my children, niece and nephews to take some of these traits and live by them. too. Actions speak louder than words in these cases.
Tell us a little known fact that most people don’t know about you: Not too many of my peers know that I am an avid martial arts follower. I practiced Kempo Karate for about 10 years in Oahu, Hawaii, and now I am practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay-Thai Kickboxing here in San Diego, California. I believe this is a great way to stay in shape physically and mentally.
How important is it to you that Defense Logistics Agency Aviation recognize this month? The importance of DLA to recognize Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is just as important as recognizing all cultures and diversity in DLA. DLA deals with a global magnitude of customers. All cultures and diversities in DLA need to operate as one cog [in the wheel] supporting the warfighter. We need to be mindful of all cultures and recognize the efforts and sacrifices that have been made.
What do you want the DLA Aviation workforce to take away from celebrating this particular month? Asian-American and Pacific Islanders worldwide are very hard-working people. We all believe in family and including everyone in everything we do, whether it’s a party or work. Being courteous and respectful is another aspect [of personal interactions] that needs to be addressed and known. And lastly this month is a refresher for every culture and all Asian-American and Pacific Islanders themselves to be aware of their own heritage and the sacrifices their generations have made for them.