ASIAN / PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH: Bernie Provido Schumann, producer for Under the American Sun (Camp Roxas Film Project), was the keynote speaker for the official observance of Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month by Commander Naval Forces Marianas. Front row, left to right: OS2 (SW) Thelma Layug, Schumann and Bert Sardoma Jr., Under the American Sun film director. Back row: Capt. Noel Enrique, Capt. Scott Galbreaith, Capt. Janice Wynn and Lt. Michael Tagaloa, chaplain
Camp Roxas Film Project Honored in Keynote Address
U.S. NAVAL STATION, Agat, Guam - Bernie Provido Schumann, producer for Under the American Sun (Camp Roxas Film Project), was the keynote speaker for the official observance of Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month by Commander Naval Forces Marianas (ComNarMar) held Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Naval Base Guam Chapel.
Schumann discussed on-going research for the upcoming 60-minute documentary film, Under the American Sun. The film will trace the history of Filipino-American immigrants to Guam who resided in Camp Roxas in Agat after World War II as part of the military reconstruction effort. Also discussed were the photo exhibit and discussion series provided through the Guam Humanities Council by the National Endowment for Humanities.
After the national anthem and the Guam Hymn were performed on the ukelele by young local musician Ryan Troy Rasalan Imamura, opening remarks were provided by Capt. Janice M. Wynn, Navy Region Marianas Chief of Staff. She discussed historical details including the location of the former Camp Roxas, now the site of Camp Covington, just outside the current U.S. Naval Station.
A PowerPoint presentation was narrated by Schumann, followed by a short 10-minute introductory Sizzle Reel film describing the upcoming Camp Roxas documentary still in development.
Capt. Noel Enrique, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point provided further background information on Filipino-Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the world.
Lt. Michael J. Tagaloa, chaplain, wearing his native custume, closed the event with "The Lord's Prayer" in Samoan.
This year's theme is "Leadership, Diversity and Harmony: Gateway to Success," which seeks to honor the many contributions the citizens of Asian and Pacific Islands ancestry have made to America. Through their entrepreneurship and strong values of love and family, they have strengthened the economy and enriched communities across the nation.
Members of the ComNavMarianas Regional Multicultural Committee who coordinated the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration are: CNOCM Anthony Graham, CSC Rommel Molina, NC1 Falesha Vonner, MC1 Eric Rosario, HT1 T. McKinney, YN1 Yolanda Ivy, OS1 Abraham Haradji, MR1 A. Bergstraser, YN2 James Goines, OS2 Thelma D. Layug, EA2 Denis Delacruz, UT2 Jason Huskey and CS3 Shoshanah Barga.
