WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Marine Corps representatives gathered with national leaders of the Asian community at the Library of Congress May 10, for a reception celebrating the release of the 2006 Asian American Yearbook.
This year the Asian American Yearbook, published by TIYM Publishing Company, Inc., celebrated its third year of providing an annual resource and referral guide for and about Asian Americans. This reception also marked the third year the Marine Corps has advertised in the publication, which is distributed nationally to high schools, colleges, libraries, federal and state organizations, and many private sector minority businesses and employment contacts.
The book includes information about prominent Asian individuals, organizations, businesses and media outlets, along with population statistics and resource Web sites. The book also features a five-page Marine-specific layout that provides condensed information about the culture of the Marine Corps and highlights some of the Asian Americans serving our nation.
Marine Sergeant Terri Wilson, Marine Band, Quantico, Va., opened the evening’s ceremonies by singing the National Anthem while the colors were presented by the Marine Corps Recruiting Command color guard.
Colonel William S. Febuary, Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, was the keynote speaker for the evening’s event. During his remarks, Febuary, who is of Filipino-American descent, emphasized that the Marine Corps is a proponent of furthering formal education. He explained that the Corps’ educational opportunities offer a clear path to the intellectual and career advancement so many struggle to attain. Febuary added that Marines are able to further their education through such programs as the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance.
In addition to his remarks on continuing education, Febuary expressed his feelings about today’s youth and how Asian cultures share some of the same traits the Marine Corps instills among its ranks.
“Contrary to what you sometimes hear in the media, young people are, in fact, motivated by challenge and seek to meet high standards,” Febuary said. “The Corps awakens in young Asian men and women, what I believe are natural attributes. Honor, courage, commitment, loyalty, discipline and respect are embedded in the Asian culture.”
The partnership between Marine Corps Recruiting Command and TIYM Publishing Company, Inc., was initiated to develop a very strong and positive image of the Marine Corps. Within the diverse communities of the nation, TYIM assists in enhancing diversity-recruiting efforts by creating awareness in minority communities where influential members speak highly of the Marine Corps as a positive career consideration. Efforts are focused on recruitment and increasing total awareness of opportunities for service in a diverse Marine Corps both in the officer and enlisted fields, according to Eric Lindsay, diversity recruitment director.
“Finding multiple cultures among our ranks is what makes the Marine Corps a special organization because it represents the diversity of America,” said Staff Sergeant Peace Gutierrez, staff noncommissioned officer in charge, Manpower Information Systems Support Office - 09, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, Va.
An American-born Filipino, Gutierrez believes that diversity in the ranks helps to promote a “melting pot” of talent and skill that helps keep the Marine Corps a modern and elite organization.
During the evening’s closing remarks, the President and CEO of TIYM Publishing Company Inc., Angela Zavala, expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make the Yearbook a success and invited Major General Walter E. Gaskin, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiting Command to give the evening’s closing remarks. During his remarks, Gaskin pointed out that TIYM’s efforts in highlighting diversity achievements in American society is very important.
“The Marine Corps is very very proud of its relationship with TIYM,” Gaskin said.
“Angela has helped us to express that the tapestry of all of us that make up America either in the military or in a civilian capacity is all good. These books, which are a small example, are so powerful in its presentation of who we are and how we are all proud to be Americans.”
For more information on how to obtain a copy of the 2006 Asian American Yearbook, visit www.AsianAmericanYearbook.com or contact TIYM Publishing at (703) 734-1632.