COLUMBUS, Ohio –
The Defense Federal Community celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special program and discussion panel at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Operations Center May 18. The program was sponsored by the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity and the Asian/Pacific American Employment Program.
DLA Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen Gail Atkins provided opening remarks touching on AAPI contributions and the importance of a diverse workforce.
“It is an honor for us to take the time to pay tribute to the Asian American and Pacific Islander members of our community and our workforce here at Land and Maritime and DSCC,” Atkins said. “It is important that we understand how they and their families have enriched our nation’s history and how, more importantly, they can strengthen our nation’s future.”
Atkins spoke about significant contributions in medicine and science, art and literature, sports, government and politics, and activism and law.
“I would like to specifically highlight their contributions to the liberties of our nation,” she said. “Many of you may not know that 36 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been the recipients of our nation’s highest honor - with 21 of those being Japanese Americans during the Great War, who fought for our nation with the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regiment.”
DLA Land and Maritime Demand Supply Chain Analyst Sheryl Meier served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, leading a discussion with three panelists:
- Hoa Ta, senior cost price analyst for the Procurement Process Support Directorate, DLA Land and Maritime.
Under the theme “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity,” panelists answered questions about diversity within leadership, opportunities for DLA and hurdles to maintaining a diverse workforce.
Youn, a founding member of the AAPI Special Emphasis Program at DLA Land and Maritime, shared how the program was established. He joined DLA in 1980 and at that time, out of about 2,800 employees, there were very few Asian American associates and most of the general public only associated the term ‘Asian American’ with Japanese, Chinese, and Korean ethnic groups, he said.
“Now we have more than 35 AAPI groups,” Youn said. “This is important because we need to be recognized as a part of DSCC and DLA community. Also, we want DSCC employees to know the true history and cultures of AAPI groups.”
When asked about opportunities for DLA to provide a more inclusive workforce, Palmer discussed the importance of having the framework to make opportunity possible.
“It’s important to have a comprehensive recruitment plan that markets DLA as an employer of choice – highlighting the mission, the benefits, and the Agency’s commitment to a diverse workforce.”
Ta concurred and added the importance of using available data to establish mentorship and create leadership roles. He also discussed the idea that complacency can be a hurdle to maintaining a diverse workforce.
“Here at [DLA] Land and Maritime, we have a great workforce, but what’s great is that we strive to be better,” Ta said.
As the program concluded, Atkins presented the panelists with tokens of appreciation.
Musen Yin, chair of the Asian Pacific American Employment Program joined Atkins on stage to present the Shoong Yin award.
The Shoong Yin Award was established to recognize individuals who embody the idea of furthering equality and opportunity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Shoong Yin was a former DLA Land and Maritime associate, who served as the Asian American and Pacific Islander Employment Program chair and was one of its founders. He worked diligently with associates and the community to promote Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and encouraged cultural activities to bridge understanding among Americans of different ethnic backgrounds.
The award was presented to Mr. Charles Palmer for his unwavering commitment to equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace.
DLA Land and Maritime Demand Supply Chain Analyst Angela McCoy rendered the National Anthem and DLA Land and Maritime Electronics Engineer Laura Leeper Branham delivered the invocation. Eugene Williams, Asian Pacific American Employment Program Executive Champion delivered closing remarks.