Minnesota National Guard joins AAPI celebration at the Capitol 

Members of the Minnesota National Guard Diversity & Inclusion’s Asian American and Pacific Islander, Special Emphasis Council participated in the annual Asian and Pacific Islander Day at the State Capitol on April 3, 2024. 

This year’s theme was “We The People,” and included state and civic leaders as well as community leaders from Minnesota’s Asian American and Pacific Islander, or AAPI, community. 

 “I have seen the contributions that members of the AAPI community have provided to my wing. They’re truly the force multipliers. And we need to be trained and work to ensure stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific Region. We gain strength from our diversity,” said Air Force Col. Jesse Carlson, 133rd Airlift Wing commander and AAPI Special Emphasis Council executive champion, who spoke at the event. He also thanked AAPI veterans in attendance who served in conflicts in Southeast Asia. “Thank you so much for what you have done for us in the past, what you continue to do with us now.” 

The event was hosted by the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans and local and state nonprofit organizations. AAPI Day is designed to bring together Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans to rally together, increase their knowledge of the state policymaking process, and directly connect with legislators about the issues that matter most to them.

For more information about the event, visit https://mn.gov/capm/events/apiday. 

By: Cristina Oxtra 
Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs