WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, announces the 2019 FAPAC Uniformed Services Awards winners in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Uniformed Services missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in AAPI communities.

“The 14 winners of the 2019 Uniformed Services Awards have distinguished themselves by promoting the tenets of civil and human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and public service,” FAPAC President Olivia Adrian said. “We chose these men and women because they are exceptional leaders who have advanced equal opportunity for selection, promotion or retention of women and minorities in senior grade level positions and under-represented jobs.”

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 2101, the Uniformed Services includes the armed forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Any active/reserve member of the Uniformed Services was eligible for consideration. Winners were evaluated on a rating scale by a panel of esteemed judges.

1. U.S. Army: Sergeant Herman K. Watson, Jr.
   
2. U.S. Marine Corps: Corporal Deserai N. Knight
3. U.S. Navy: Third Class Petty Officer Cynthol F. Fuata
4. U.S. Air Force: Senior Master Sergeant Donald E. Clayborn, Jr.
5. U.S. Air Force: Senior Master Sergeant Francis M. Quiambao
6. U.S. Air Force: Technical Sergeant Julyne Lei-Kawaha Clarke
7. U.S. Coast Guard: Lieutenant Commander Rven T. Garcia
8. U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer Lawren K. Kanae
9. U.S. Army National Guard: Lieutenant Colonel Randy I. Lau
10. U.S. Navy Reserve: Commander Thomas Toshikazu McAndrew
11. U.S. Air National Guard: Major Dana A. Grigg
12. U.S. Air Force Reserve: Technical Sergeant Rachelle K. Estrada
13. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps: Captain Paul Jung
14. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps: Lieutenant Commander Xinzhi Zhang

Congratulations to all the winners.  The award will be presented during the 34^th FAPAC National Leadership Training Program on May 13-16, 2019 at the  Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.

The NLTP provides high-quality training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development. The NLTP is held annually in May to coincide with the celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For more information about the NLTP, please visit www.fapac.org/nltp.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.