Group brings cheer to homesick Fil-Ams in military
Photo from Kari Ann Bellamy/Facebook
After a long hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Filipino American Association of the Ark-LA-Tex is back in action, with a plethora of events curated to bring joy to kababayans in the military.
Established in 1992 by Eden Sta. Ana, wife of a doctor at Barksdale Air Force Base, the group has been a pillar of support for Fil-Am members of the Armed Forces.
Originally named the Filipino American Association of Northwest Louisiana, it has evolved under Loreta Leavitt’s leadership since 2006. Born in the Philippines, Leavitt has played a significant role in growing the association’s presence.
The organization was renamed Filipino American Association of the Ark-LA-Tex to reflect its expanded reach to Fil-Ams residing in the tri-state area.
Midway through the Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Linda Patton, one of the seven board members of the organization, affirmed the significance of this event.
“It’s a celebration of the actual food and culture. That way you will not forget where you came from,” Patton said.
When asked what makes Filipino culture special, she said, “My favorite part is the togetherness of the family.”
A cultural and community objective
Highlighting the organization’s core objective, Leavitt told KTAL News their mission is “to welcome all the airmen or military groups stationed here because they’re so lonely away from home. So we would like to entertain them.”
Similar to how a Facebook group lifted the spirits of a Fil-Am military officer who felt isolated and was on the verge of quitting, this association also aims to bring kababayans in the military a sense of community and belonging.
Emboldened by their goal to support Fil-Ams in the Armed Forces, which was put on pause during the pandemic, the Filipino American Association of ARK-LA-TEX is back with a lineup of events and activities.
Their members, many of whom are affiliated with Barksdale Air Force Base, often find their presence mirroring the transient nature of military life.
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Core members like Leavitt, a long-time resident of the Shreveport-Bossier City area, ensure the continuity of the group. The members meet monthly to plan events, hold dance and music rehearsals and share Filipino food to keep cultural traditions alive.
This Fil-Am association is at the helm of several community events this year. They will host a luau in September and in October, they will hold their grand annual gala at the LSU Shreveport, which will be a night filled with cultural performances and Filipino cuisine, spreading cheer and a taste of home.
