On Monday, July 26, President Obama appointed Daphne Kwok of San Francisco, Calif. as Chair of his Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders. The Commission was re-established last year by the President as part of a White House Initiative to improve the lives of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities underserved by federal resources.

The trip to San Diego from Washington for Navy Capt. Cynthia Macri last weekend was full of surprises. A little more than half-way there, an elderly man on her flight took ill and collapsed. A physician, Macri attended the man as best she could, then asked the captain of the flight to divert the plane to Omaha, so the man could be taken to the hospital.

Asians are often referred to as "Model Minorities" within the American society as result of their above average education and income levels. Many Asians adopt prestigious institutions as their alma maters and enter the corporate world with not much more trouble than their counterparts of other races because their cultures generally put a significant emphasis on education.

More Medicare beneficiaries will qualify for "Extra Help" with their prescription drug costs, and be eligible to pay no more than $2.50 for generic drugs and $6.30 for each brand name drug thanks to changes to Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy Program (also known as LIS or "Extra Help") that take effect this year. These changes make it easier than ever for people on Medicare with limited incomes to save on their drug costs.

The number of minority-owned businesses increased by 45.6 percent to 5.8 million between 2002 and 2007, more than twice the national rate of all U.S. businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The UN Security Council Presidential statement condemns the attack by North Korea on the Cheonan and warns North Korea that the international community will not tolerate such aggressive behavior against the Republic of Korea.

(USAW) -- June 25, 2010 -- President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Manila, Philippines to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President-elect of the Republic of the Philippines on June 30, 2010.

(USAW) -- June 18, 2010 –- Japanese pop star Masumi will headline this year's entertainment lineup for the Seventh Annual Asian Heritage Awards to be held Saturday, July 10, aboard the USS Midway in downtown San Diego.

(USAW) -- June 16, 2010 -- Staying in touch with family and friends back home just got even more convenient, thanks to new ways to connect with Skype, the free software that lets individuals communicate with anyone, anywhere across the globe.

(U.S. ASIAN WIRE) – June 16, 2010 – Staying in touch with family and friends back home just got even more convenient, thanks to new ways to connect with Skype, the free software that lets individuals communicate with anyone, anywhere across the globe.

(USAW) -- June 11, 2010 -- On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to all those who celebrate the 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day - here in America, in the Philippines, and around the world. Our two countries share a common history and values, and we continue to partner to promote peace and development.

(USAW) -- June 11, 2010 -- Glamour, glitz and achievement - along with a dash of history - take center stage aboard the USS Midway Saturday, July 10, in celebration of the Seventh Annual Asian Heritage Awards, where, for the first time anywhere in San Diego, a special award in the name of social responsibility will also be bestowed, with the honor going to the Habitat for Humanity.

(USAW) -- June 9, 2010 -- The President conveyed his congratulations to the newly elected President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, in a phone call this morning.

The President has expressed his deep sympathy to President Lee and the Korean people for the loss of 46 sailors on the Republic of Korea Navy ship Cheonan that was sunk on March 26 by a torpedo. The United States strongly condemns the act of aggression that led to their deaths.

(USAW) Đ May 19, 2010 -- The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and its partners convene today in Washington, D.C. to educate lawmakers and the public on the deadly impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

(USAW) -- May 17, 2010 -- The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders today announced details for a series of events this week to support its work to develop and coordinate federal services AAPI communities need.

(USAW) -- May 14, 2010 -- To raise awareness of Hepatitis B, Subaru of America, Inc. has developed a 'Hep B Mobile'. The company will also continue its sponsorship of the Asian Heritage Street Celebration, which takes place Saturday, May 15, in the Civic Center/Little Saigon District.

(USAW) -- May 13, 2010 -- At an awards ceremony on May 12, 2010, Miami commercial litigation attorney Lisa Hu Barquist received a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the Board of County Commissioners, and the residents of Miami-Dade County, for her volunteer service and her valuable contributions to the South Florida Asian community.

(USAW) -- May 13, 2010 -- Featuring Mah Jong Area, Cultural Procession, Balut Eating Contest, Pinoy Jazz, Health Pavilion, Muay Thai Kickboxing Ring, Wine Tasting, J-Cars, Children's Area, Entertainment by Far*East Movement, akai SKY, and many more.

(USAW) -- May 6, 2010 -- Tim Be Told released a brand new music video for their song, "Analyze", off the critically acclaimed "From the Inside" EP. Watch the video now at http://www.timebetold.com, where you can download the single for free and visit the newly relaunched Tim Be Told store.

(USAW) -- May 5, 2010 -- Staying in touch with family and friends back home just got even more convenient, thanks to new ways to connect with Skype, the free software that lets individuals communicate with anyone, anywhere across the globe.

(USAW) -- May 5, 2010 -- Policymakers and experts will explore health disparities facing Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAs and NHPIs) in light of new findings in the May issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

(USAW) -- April 29, 2010 -- Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B.

(USAW) -- April 29, 2010 -- Indigenous peoples/migrant peoples of the Americas stand together to question who is an immigrant really in light of the recent signing of SB1070 in Arizona.

(USAW) -- April 27, 2010 -- In advance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders today announced the Obama administration's efforts to improve the lives of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities underserved by federal resources.

(USAW) -- April 27, 2010 -- The U.S. Census Bureau, together with local Census partners in the Chinese-American community will hold a press conference today at 3:30pm, at the Chinese American Center in New York City, to discuss the "non-response follow-up" (NRFU) enumeration phase of the 2010 Census.

(USAW) -- April 26 2010 -- Kiran Ahuja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and Assistant to the President Chris Lu will hold a conference call with reporters on Tuesday to announce the initiative's next steps to improve the lives of Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

(USAW) Đ April 21, 2010 -- As of Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 71 percent of the nation's households have mailed back their 2010 Census forms, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today.

(USAW) -- April 13, 2010 -- Khmer Legacies will be bringing together award-winning chefs to create an evening of sweet, savory, hot and spicy dishes in the 3rd Annual Taste of Southeast Asia, sponsored by WorldFoods.

(USAW) -- April 10, 2010 -- Midnight April 25 is the last chance to nominate individuals and organizations for an Asian Heritage Award. Nominations will be screened by the Asian Heritage Awards Committee and placed on a ballot to run in the May 7 digital edition and the May 14 print edition of ASIA, The Journal of Culture & Commerce.

(USAW) -- April 3, 2010 -- With the grand opening of Reign Training Center (RTC) on March 13th behind him, "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" UFC middleweight Mark Munoz (7-1-0) prepares for his upcoming fight against veteran MMA fighter Kendall "The Spyder" Grove (13-6-0).

(USAW) -- March 31, 2010 -- More than 50 percent of the nation's households have returned their 2010Census forms, just weeks after about 134 million questionnaires were mailed or hand-delivered to homes across the country, according to mail participation rates recorded Tuesday.

(USAW) -- March 30, 2010 -- President Obama received the credentials today of China's new Ambassador to the United States, Zhang Yesui. During their meeting, the President stated his determination to further develop a positive relationship with China.

(USAW) -- March 22, 2010 -- Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Rafael Moure-Eraso, Chair, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Mark A. Griffon, Member, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Robert M. "Skipp" Orr, United States Executive Director, Asian Development Bank, with the Rank of Ambassador Carl Wieman, Associate Director for Science, Office of Science and Technology Policy

(USAW) -- March 22, 2010 -- On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Pakistan and all those of Pakistani descent here in America and around the world observing Pakistan National Day.

(USAW) -- March 18, 2010 -- Although Asian Americans have long been portrayed as a "model minority" with few major problems, data released online today in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) reveal that distinct groups of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) differ widely in death and disease rates, including from breast cancer and other conditions such as heart disease, and stand to benefit strongly from culturally appropriate care.

(USAW) -- March 18, 2010 -- As 2010 Census forms arrive in more than 120 million mailboxes across the country this week, several 20-foot-high replicas of the form began touring the nation today. The U.S. Census Bureau's Giant 2010 Census Form Tour is part of a large-scale effort to encourage households to take 10 minutes to fill out and mail back their census forms.

(USAW) -- March 8, 2010 -- Community members and Supervisor Eric Mar will honor poet/activist and Fillmore District native Al Robles on March 14th 2010, at 12:30 pm in San Francisco's Fillmore Plaza on Fillmore and O'Farrell Streets with music, poetry and remembrance.

(USAW) -- March 5, 2010 -- Fil-Am UFC Fighter and NCAA Wrestling Champion Mark Munoz hosts the grand opening of REIGN TRAINING CENTER Saturday, March 13th at its brand new location in Lake Forest, California.

(USAW) -- March 2, 2010 -- The Seventh Annual Asian Heritage Awards is accepting nominations in 14 categories to be celebrated July 10 aboard the USS Midway. The event will honor outstanding Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. The ceremony will also will pay special honor to Tom Hom, the first Asian American elected to City Council.

(USAW) -- February 24, 2010 -- Today, President Obama nominated Goodwin Liu for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Robert N. Chatigny for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

(USAW) -- February 23, 2010 -- The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians has become the 200,000th partner for the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. The number of partners supporting the 2010 Census exceeds the 140,000 that signed on to support the 2000 Census.

(USAW) -- February 21, 2010 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: HBO and Verizon honor NJ heroes John Basilone and Robert Leckie with Raritan Premiere of the HBO Miniseries Event THE PACIFIC on Saturday February 27.

(USAW) -- February 18, 2010 -- The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) announced Loyola Marymount University's sponsorship of J Camp, a multicultural high-school journalism workshop.

(USAW) -- February 17, 2010 -- The 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour is part of the largest civic outreach and awareness campaign in U.S. history - stopping and exhibiting at more than 800 events nationwide.

(USAW) -- February 10, 2010 -- Now, you can send New Year's greetings to friends and family back home for little to no money using Skype ª, a worldwide leader in Internet communications.

(USAW) -- February 5, 2010 -- Today in Lanham, Maryland, President Obama proposed the expansion of two critical Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs, aimed at allowing small businesses to refinance and increasing limits for working capital.

(USAW)--February 13, 2009--Having drawn such renowned performers as rapper Jin the Emcee, former American Idol contestants Jasmine Trias and Jose "Sway" Penala and Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, the 5th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration is once again inviting talented artists to grace its stages.