A Next Generation Leaders (NGL) Class of 2024 subcommittee of Committee of 100, a nonprofit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans, is auctioning off a series of portraits the group developed to recognize AAPI military heroes of the past. The paintings will be on display at Committee of 100’s forthcoming Conference & Gala, taking place in Los Angeles on April 25-26.

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.

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.

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U.S. Airman Sergeant Sabu Dastagir (1924-1963)

canvas reprint: 30 in. x 40 in.

*the original is currently on display at the U.S. Pentagon

Sabu Dastagir was the first South Asian star in Hollywood, known for films like The Thief of Bagdad and Jungle Book, who transitioned from cinematic fame to military service during World War II.

U.S. Airforce pilot Hazel Ying Lee (1912-1944)

original, oil on canvas: 30 in. x 40 in.

Hazel Ying Lee was a groundbreaking Chinese American pilot who served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.

U.S. Army Major General John Fugh (1934-2010)

canvas reprint: 18 in. x 24 in.

*the original will be with the Fugh family

General John L. Fugh was the first Chinese American to become a U.S. Army General, making significant contributions to military law and diversity.

U.S. Army Captain Francis Wai (1917-1944)

original, oil on canvas: 30 in. x 40 in.

Captain Francis B. Wai was a decorated Chinese American officer who displayed extraordinary bravery during World War II, earning the distinguished Medal of Honor.

Civil War veterans (in one painting) Edward Day Cohota, Joseph Pierce, and Thomas Sylvanus

original, oil on canvas: 30 in. x 40 in.

Joseph Pierce was brought to the U.S. as a child and adopted by a Connecticut farmer named Joseph Pierce (likely named after him). Edward Day Cohota was reportedly brought to the U.S. by a sea captain named Sargent S. Day, who gave him the name “Edward Day.” Thomas Sylvanus was enslaved as a child and later taken in by an American family, where he was given the name “Thomas Sylvanus.”

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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 just announced the 16 new NGLs that make up the class of 2025, many of whom will be on site at the Committee of 100 Conference & Gala in Los Angeles. Later this year, Committee of 100 will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026. Visit the Committee of 100 website for more information and review past NGL service projects .

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.

Valor of Asian Americans’ Service