ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The month promotes awareness of Asian Americans who have impacted society, said Airman 1st Class Richard Chan, 78th Medical Group Medical Records technician.

Congress selected May for this celebration because it includes the anniversaries of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 - partially completed by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants.

Vivian Siu, Civilian Personnel Policy and Operations human resources specialist, has been on the base committee for years.

"My vision is to bring people together and celebrate the human spirit," she said.

Siu, who is of Vietnamese descent, hopes she can bring awareness of the more than 30 countries which make up the Asian American Pacific Islander culture. 

The theme for 2015 is "Many Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion."

In previous years, Siu hosted a fashion show on base to promote the culture. This year, the committee decided to bring food to the table.

There will be a dinner at The Refuge May 27 at 6 p.m. to celebrate the month.

The dinner will include traditional Asian dishes such as Vietnamese spring rolls; Dak Bulgogi, a Korean chicken dish; and Filipino Pancit - a Philippine noodle dish - Chan said.

For a non-base sponsored event celebrating the heritage of Asian Pacific Americans, Siu is also heading up an Asian Pacific Gala at the Wellston Center in Warner Robins on May 30 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The event will feature a fashion show, silent auction, martial arts displays and entertainment.

Editor's note: For more information, contact Siu at 786-247-5445 or by email at thewomanwarrior@gmail.com.