Two Airmen earn Asian-Pacific American Council award

  • Published
  • By Rudi Williams
  • American Forces Press Service
Two Airmen were among the recipients of the Federal Asian-Pacific American Council's Military Meritorious Service Award during the Defense Department's Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month luncheon and military awards ceremony here June 2.

This marks the 19th year the council has honored servicemembers during its annual national leadership and training conference.

"This military award ceremony and luncheon is part of a series of programs occurring at military installations around the world to inform, stimulate, interest and build a deeper appreciation of the contributions, accomplishments and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific islanders," John Molino, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for equal opportunity, told the gathering of about 800 attendees.

The award recognizes each servicemember's significant contributions to the advancement of Asian and Pacific Americans and the promotion of equal opportunity in the federal work force and the Asian-Pacific American community, Mr. Molino said.

Tech. Sgt. Christian Dao, the Air National Guard award winner, was cited for being "an innovative noncommissioned officer whose initiative and technical expertise have contributed significantly to the accomplishments of the District of Columbia Air National Guard." Sergeant Dao, a structural repair technician with the 201st Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., has participated in many deployments, including operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom in his 22-year military career.

In 2003, Sergeant Dao was the only person qualified to handle maintenance for a critical distinguished visitor aircraft. He acquired all necessary tools and materials and successfully completed the repair in time for his unit to meet mission requirements and satisfy its customers.

As the special emphasis program manager for Asian-Pacific Americans, Sergeant Dao has participated in the Air National Guard Aviation Career Day and the pilot for a day programs. "These events show his dedication to helping local high-school students with their future goals and affording terminally ill children the opportunity to fulfill a wish, while promoting the National Guard to his community," the citation reads.

Master Sgt. Maria Kraft, winner for the Air Force and a first sergeant in the 9th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis AFB, Calif., has helped the work force of Asian-Pacific Americans and other minorities overcome discrimination and eliminate barriers that hindered equal opportunity, according to her award citation.

For example, she managed a $47-million contract that employed more than 500 people from Europe and Asia. Despite cultural challenges, her flight was named best in U.S. Air Forces Europe. Her actions have encouraged leaders to actively promote diversity and equal employment opportunity programs, her citation reads.

Noting that Sergeant Kraft chairs this year's Asian-Pacific American Heritage Committee at Travis, the citation states that she has fostered unity on the base and in surrounding communities, providing education and elevating awareness of the cultures of the Asian-Pacific region.

Sergeant Kraft also introduced the first "Holidays Around the World," highlighting different traditions worldwide, and led the Asian-Pacific American community in preparing ethnic delicacies. For two consecutive years, Sergeant Kraft held an Asian cultural fair at Lajes Field, Azores, that more than 1,500 people attended. Wing leaders praised these activities as benchmarks for other cultural events to follow, the citation reads.