BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Editor’s Note: During the month of May, the great achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are highlighted to celebrate the contributions that generations of AANHPI have made to American history, society and culture.
In 1978, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter designated May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.
Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Pacific Director and Special Emphasis Program Champion Faron Cordrey wanted to highlight select members of the DLA Disposition Services Pacific Region that have special ties with AANHPI Heritage Month.
George Bulan was born in Angles City, Philippines, and is an avid motorcycle rider and loves to work on old cars. On weekends, he likes to spend time at the base hobby shop working on old cars or exploring nearby hiking trails.
At a young age, Bulan knew he wanted to serve in the military. In 1988, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and retired in February 2012 as a Chief Petty Officer, serving a total of 24 years.
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan is a historical figure Bulan admires the most.
“During his presidency, he fostered world peace by ending the Cold War, which resolved military conflicts and tensions,” said Bulan. “Reagan also helped ease severe unemployment and inflation with bold moves. All his contributions showed he had great insight, and that's what most impressed me the most.”
In October of 2012, Bulan started his career with DLA as a Material Examiner and Identifier. Currently, he is a Property Disposal Specialist at the DLA Disposition Services Gimcheon site in South Korea.
As a Disposal Services Representative, Bulan builds relationships with customers and travels to various bases around the South Korean peninsula, working closely with customers to provide reverse logistics and disposal solutions to the warfighter.
“Joining DLA was the best decision I ever made,” he added.
Bulan is constantly looking for ways he can serve and help others.
“Nothing is ever handed to you; you must work for what you want,” he said. “Only I can work to become who I want to be.”
Bulan is very family-oriented and has learned to appreciate and truly care for those around him. “I strive to help anyone with anything I can at all times,” he said.
One of his favorite Filipino traditions is Boodle Fight, where large amounts of food is prepared and “there is an art or “fight” regarding how you grab the food from the table — typically only using your hands,” he added. “It’s rather unforgettable and undoubtedly, a fun experience as far as eating food is concerned.”
As a Filipino-American, AANHPI Heritage Month is a significant time of the year for Bulan.
“It is important that AANHPI communities utilize this time to bring awareness and attention to how the diverse culture that is AANHPI has influenced all facets of cultures across the world,” he said.