# Disposition Services celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month

/ Published May 21, 2024
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Employees at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, explored diverse cultures through multiple interactive stations during the Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Office’s Special Emphasis Program Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month event, earlier this month.

                Poma Darasamay provides opening remarks about how the rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America’ s history.                            Public Affairs Specialist                            Poma Darasamay provides opening remarks about how the rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America’ s history.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 240501-D-YU183-0045 Opening remarks were delivered by Poma Darasamay, a Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services environmental operations specialist from the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, site.

“Today we are gathered to honor the journey of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” she said. “As we honor our heritage today, let us remember the tears shed and their dreams deferred, but let those tears be a testament to resilience—feeling an unwavering commitment to create a world where every soul is cherished, and every dream is realized.”

While attending training at the headquarters location, Darasamay assisted with the EEO SEP event to share her heritage with the workforce in Battle Creek.

“In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, let’s celebrate their rich tapestry of culture and traditions within our community, “she said. “From Japan to Korea, Guam to Thailand, and Hawaii to the Pacific islands, each locale offers a glimpse of our heritage.”

The program featured a variety of hands-on activities, traditional games and crafts, food and beverage samples and historical reflections at each station. Passports were provided to attendees as a roadmap for each table.

                Heather McKendrick, J34 Data Processes Division Chief, practices making an origami swan at the Japan table.                            Public Affairs Specialist                            Heather McKendrick, J34 Data Processes Division Chief, practices making an origami swan at the Japan table.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 240501-D-YU183-0067 While exploring Japan, participants tried their hand at origami using patterned paper. In Guam, they sampled coconut candy and juice, and given the opportunity to play Jackstones, a game similar to “jacks.”

At Korea, attendees used colorful paper squares to play Ddaki, a traditional game that involves flipping another player’s square. Many gathered at Hawaii to taste Banana Poi Bread and learn how to create palm frond fish, with Darasamay providing hands-on instruction.

In Thailand, attendees received bracelets blessed in a Baci ceremony. Baci is a traditional Lao ritual that involves tying white strings around people's wrists and praying for their well-being.

“This is such a creative way to experience these cultures – this was fun,” Jenny Norvey said, the DLA Disposition Services workforce development branch chief.

The clamor of voices filled the room as individuals moved between activities. For many, this was the first time sampling these cultural flavors. Participants were able to share their favorite choices with coworkers.

                An origami swan that was created at the event.                            Public Affairs Specialist                            An origami swan that was created at the event.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 240501-D-YU183-0028 “The AANIPI Heritage Observance event was an outstanding success, a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and progress. It beautifully showcased the rich diversity of the AANIPI community, leaving all attendees deeply inspired and empowered. As an organization we are very fortunate that we have a Director that encourages these observance events and is vested into ensuring that they are a focus area to represent the rich cultural diversity of our teammates,” said Faron Cordrey, director of DLA Disposition Services Pacific.  “In reference to the quality of the event itself, Poma’s execution of capturing the unique flavors, traditions and languages of the INDOPACIFIC region was outstanding and I'm incredibly thankful she had the chance to share her talent with the DLA Disposition team in Battle Creek."

This observance runs through May and celebrates the rich culture and acts as a reminder of the service and sacrifices made by Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders throughout the United States.