Starting with Sgt. Sabu Dastagir of the U.S. Air Force, members of the NGL Class of 2024 are developing a series of portraits to be displayed at the Pentagon and other venues
New York, NY (December 18, 2024) — Committee of 100, a nonprofit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans, today announced a subcommittee from its Next Generation Leaders (NGL) Class of 2024 formally unveiled the first in a series of portraits and stories over the next year recognizing AAPI military heroes of the past.
Sabu Dastagir of the United States Air Force is the first portrait in this series. Sgt. Dastagir was an Indian American actor who chose to join the Air Force during World War II. He served primarily in the 307th Bombardment Group, flying dozens of combat missions, earning him five air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross with “Valor”. Timed with Veterans Day, his portrait, painted by Next Generation Leader June Xu, was unveiled on November 12 at the U.S. Pentagon by The Honorable Melissa Dalton, Under Secretary of the Air Force, and The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
Each year, the incoming NGL class implements a series of service projects dedicated to supporting the dual mission of Committee of 100. The service projects are designed to showcase the positive social impact and community-building that Committee of 100’s NGLs work towards in collaborating with Committee of 100 members, staff and the AAPI community at large.
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment Honorable Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, June Xu, artist, and Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton unveil a painting of actor and World War II veteran Sgt. Sabu Dastagir at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Nov. 12, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of Eric Dietrich)
Highlighting the contributions of AAPI servicepeople underscores the importance of diversity within the military, fostering an inclusive environment that values and respects all ethnic backgrounds. Despite comprising 6% of active-duty service members and 8% of Department of Defense (DOD) civilians in 2022, Asian Americans are notably absent from top-tier leadership roles. Only 3 in every 100 DoD Senior Executive Service (SES) are Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI). It also showcases the achievements of AAPI servicepeople which can inspire youth from AAPI communities to consider military service, helping to attract and retain a diverse pool of talent.
At Committee of 100’s 2025 Conference & Gala taking place in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza on April 25, the NGL Class will present its Valor of Asian Americans service project in full. Serving on the Valor of Asian Americans service project are NGLs Philip Du, Rongfei Lu, Won Palisoul, Simon Wong, June Xu and Henry Yuan.
About Committee of 100’s Next Generation Leaders Program
Launched in 2014, Committee of 100’s NGL program convenes an exceptional group of change-makers and rising leaders from diverse sectors, leveraging a collective sense of service and purpose to elevate the impact of each individual. There are currently more than 200 NGLs across a multitude of sectors who make up a vibrant and diverse community.
Becoming a member of Committee of 100’s NGL program comes with the exclusive opportunity to join a vibrant community of like-minded leaders, motivated to work towards a more diverse and inclusive U.S. society and a more productive U.S.-China relationship. NGLs engage with Committee of 100 and its Members to develop initiatives and content tailored to the NGL community. NGLs also receive special access to exclusive Committee of 100 programming and events.
Committee of 100 is now accepting applications for the Class of 2025 NGLs through January 10, 2025. Visit the Committee of 100 website for more information, review past NGL service projects and to apply.
About Committee of 100
Committee of 100 is a nonprofit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts focused on public policy engagement, civic engagement, and philanthropy. For over 35 years, Committee of 100 has served as the preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and constructive relations between the United States and Greater China. Visit https://www.committee100.org for more information.
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