25th CAB introduces Asian Pacific heritage to ANSF

Sgt. 1st Class Saunoa Tupea (left), fire for effect coordination cell noncommissioned officer in charge, HHC, 25th CAB, 25th ID, ends the Fatupati dance with a battle cry during the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month celebration on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, May 18.

Story and Photos by
Sgt. Daniel Schroeder
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs, 25th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, recently shared a bit of Hawaii’s culture with members of the Afghan National Security Forces, here, May 18.

“Task Force Wings” Soldiers who are native to the Pacific Islands several dances for the ANSF visitors.

1st Lt. Jessica Jacinto (right), executive officer, Co. E, 3rd Bn., 25th Avn. Regt., 25th CAB, 25th ID, dances a hula.

“It is an honor being able to perform some of our culture for others,” said 1st Lt. Tamatane Letuli, executive officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25th CAB, and a native from American-Samoa. “It is always a good time performing these dances. It’s fun for us and the crowd seems to enjoy the show.”

The dances represented a piece of culture from different islands. One of the dances performed was the haka, a traditional ancestral war cry dance.

During the dance, all parts of the body represent the many instruments used to create the symphony of the kaka.

“The dances tell a story and I try to figure out what the story is while they are performing,” said Spc. Christy Michlewski, administrative clerk, HHC, 25th CAB. “The haka is my favorite dance because of the various war moves from ancient times that differ from today.”

According to Letuli, the dances are a big part of the culture.

Letuli said it is important to keep them going by passing them on to younger generations.

This was not the first time the 25th CAB and ANSF have come together to share their cultures. Last month, the soldiers of the ANSF invited 25th CAB Soldiers to their airfield where they performed traditional Afghan music, song and dance.

Tags: 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (ID), 3rd Bn. 25th Avn. Regt., Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, equal opportunity

Category: Deployed Forces, News, Observances