Base kicks off APAH Observance Published April 26, 2013 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE Ga. -- Robins is set to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a number of planned events. The theme of this year's observance is "Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion." According to observance committee members, APA Heritage Month was first established in 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Mineta, and Senators Daniel Inoue and Spark Matsunaga introduced resolutions asking the President to declare the first 10 days of May (the month when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 1843) as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. In 1978 President Jimmy Carter made it an annual event and in 1990, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed the entire month of May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. A proclamation signing by Col. Mitchel Butikofer, Installation commander, is planned Wednesday to kick off the month. The signing will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Exchange. Other scheduled events: A golf tournament is set for May 10 at Pine Oaks Golf Course. The cost is $30 per person. Tee time is noon. Deadline for names and handicaps is Feb. 1. Point of contact is Master Sgt Rebecca Hancock at 497-7620. Volunteers will visit local schools as part of a youth program. POC is Kristine Butler at 497-0329. The APAH Fashion Show is May 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Exchange. Committee members and volunteers will model traditional clothing from their culture as the emcee explains significant meanings behind each traditional outfit. POC is Vivian Siu at 472-0686 A Finale Dinner is scheduled for May 30 at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Club. Guest speaker will be Col. Roy Agustin, Air Force Reserve Command. Cost is $20. POCs are Master Sgt. David Miller, at 497-6060 and Senior Master Sgt. Dwain Earhart at 497-1499