DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover is celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with two main events to highlight the culture and achievements of Americans of Asian and Pacific Island descent.

The first free Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month event will begin its kick-off May 7 at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Spiritual Life Center (Old Youth Center). There will be several activities, such as a cooking class, a martial arts demonstration, hula dance lessons and an Asian food contest. There will be several prizes awarded to first through fourth place.

"I believe that by being in the Air Force, it is important to understand all cultures since we serve side-by-side with diverse group of people every single day," Staff Sgt. Chris Long, 436th Security Forces Squadron and Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month committee member. "I am excited to see a great turnout and hope people enjoy all we have to offer."

The second event is the finale for the month which will be open to the public and will be held May 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Air Mobility Command Museum. It will include activities such as a multi-cultural display of food samplings from off-base vendors, a martial arts demonstration and hula dancing.

"This month helps to provide cross-cultural awareness to the community and these observances are educational events used to educate others on diverse cultures," said Master Sgt. John Elias, 436th SFS and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month committee member.

Sergeant Elias is originally from Thailand, but he was adopted by a Puerto Rican family and he says he wanted to volunteer because he believes it's an important event.

"I wanted to volunteer and support this awareness because it would afford me the opportunity to learn more about the Asian culture, especially my own," said Sergeant Elias.

Sergeant Long says it is important to celebrate the history and contributions of what the Asian community has accomplished because they have made an impact on the daily lives of Americans.

"Although I am not Asian, I have volunteered to be a part of the committee because I enjoy learning about different cultures and I believe we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to share our cultures with those that may be unfamiliar with them and to get an understanding of how other people live," said Sergeant Long.

To sign up to demonstrate for the cooking class or to enter for the Asian food contest, call Airman 1st Class Rebecca Marshall at 677-3346.