Navy Lawyer Keynotes Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A Navy lawyer was the keynote speaker at a celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage month, hosted by the Geico insurance company at the company's world headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md., May 3.

Lt. Janelle Kuroda, a member of the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps, opened her address with Geico employees and family members with a reference to the recently published book, "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,", about strict parenting in an Asian-American family.

"My Japanese father was my Chinese mother," Kuroda said. "My father taught me many valuable lessons in life and there are two I'd like to share with you today. One, never give up; two, remember where you came from".

Kuroda told how, after many unsuccessful attempts at running for student office year after year in grade school and high school, she was finally elected as secretary and vice president of the student body and head delegate of the model United Nations team, and then president of the political science club at the University of Hawaii and president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association at Boston College Law School.

"So, as my father said, 'Never give up'".

Kuroda's relatives arrived in Hawaii from Japan 120 years ago.

Growing up only half a mile from the sugar plantation where they worked, "I was always reminded of the sacrifices that they made so that my brother and I could have more opportunities," she said.

Tony Nicely, Geico's chairman, president and chief executive officer, thanked Kuroda for her service to the nation and presented her with a certificate of appreciation from Geico.

Members of the audience were treated to a Vietnamese musical performance and enjoyed food from Japan, Korea and India.