Celebration honors Soldier diversity

[The Straight Story]

Celebration honors Soldier diversity


CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq -- Many nations, many cultures, one celebration honoring those who serve in and support the Army from the South Pacific regions, no matter what generation they represent.

This was the goal for the 2010 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Contingency Operating Base Adder Memorial Hall. Music and dancing was offered to all, as well as food steeped in rich cultures from the Pacific Islands.

Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand (Aotearoa) and Samoa were all represented during the celebration by Soldiers, Airmen and contractors with heritage from the Pacific Island region who performed.

"This (event) is about sharing our culture and who we are with everyone who wants to take part," said Sgt. John Yang, a native of Sinamoga, Western Samoa, and the supply noncommissioned officer-in-charge for Company C, 412th Aviation Support Battalion, Task Force 12.

Yang explained that most people from the island region are extremely tolerant and very open and inviting to all, no matter who they are or where they are from.

http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/05/22/39645-celebration-honors-soldier-diversity/?ref=news-home-title1

In New Zealand it has been legal for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons to serve in the military since New Zealand's Human Rights Act 1993
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation_and_military_service#New_Zealand