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Montero Medical Missions Commemorates Memorial Weekend

Patriotic Parade of Boats and Fish Fry Joint Fundraiser by Montero Medical Missions and Alaska Battle Dawgs

Organized by Montero Medical Missions (MMM) and Alaska Battle Dawgs on Sunday, May 29th Memorial weekend, 2022, the Patriotic Parade of Boats and Fish Fry joint fundraiser was a huge success and attended by veterans, volunteer medical professionals, congressional representatives, including Congressman Bobby Scott, State Senator Jen Kiggans, former Governor George Allen, his daughter Brooke Allen, and hundreds of supporters of Montero Medical Missions.

Former Gov. George Allen served as the Parade of Boats’ Grand Marshal. ‘Gratitude’ Boat Capt. Ernie Hux and his wife Carolyn Castleberry led the patriotic boat parade along the Atlantic coastal inlet of Broad Bay in VA Beach. The ‘Bucket List’ lead boat was skippered by Luke Robertson with MMM VP Vince Medina on the PA system.

State Senator Jen Kiggans, Battle Dawgs Col. Jen Casillo, Rick Casillo, Dr. Deb Wood, and Rose Hong from Global Dragon TV were all on board to support this grand fundraising event to support Montero Medical Missions and Alaska Battle Dawgs. 

Based in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, Montero Medical Missions’ mission and vision are to combine the humanitarian efforts of a medical missioner and that of a Peace Corps volunteer. This was accomplished through the creation of sustainable healthcare projects, both domestic and international. On the domestic front, its innovative Health Fair for Veterans project was recognized by the American College of Surgeons at its 100th Clinical Congress in October 2013, by having the MMM Abstract Project Presentation displayed alongside academic institutions’ posters. Currently, MMM is in partnership with the Alaska Battle Dawgs’ camp clinic involved in naturopathic healing of veterans with TBI, PTSD, and Opioid dependence diagnoses through the addition of MMM Prosthetic, Eyesight 20/20, Dental Care projects plus HBOT chamber availability. MMM Educate the Children and Technology Donation projects always elicit grateful accolades from the recipient Elementary Schools and Foundations in the Philippines. This year’s Philippines Presidential Award ‘Kaanib ng Bayan'[Ally of the People] is another recognition of MMM’s accomplishments.

Since its inception in 2011, MMM continues to support its core mission despite having no salaried employees, developing its mission work through fundraising activities plus careful strategic volunteerism relationships and partnerships with humanitarian corporations, foundations, and service organizations.

Its domestic project has recently been focused on the Dental Care and Treatment of veterans in need, in partnership with the Chesapeake Care Clinic Dental Division. The new partnership this year with Alaska Battle Dawgs will expand the fundraising efforts, including this historic 1st Annual Patriotic Parade of Boats and Fish Fry in Virginia Beach on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds are to benefit the 650 acres camp clinic in Talkeetna, Alaska where ailing veterans will have options for different therapies such as salmon fly-fishing, music, art, etc. and the standard medical treatment to be anchored by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to serve our veterans, in turn remembering those whose ultimate sacrifice bravely protected and gave us the freedoms we dearly treasure.

Major sponsors for the event include: Towne Bank, Dominion Energy, Guava Jam band/ROX, Ballyhoos Restaurant, JoKell, VA Wholesale Mortgage, First Team Auto, Cativa CBD, Gratitude Yacht/Faith and Women, Renova Wellness, MVOSS Creation, Stermedia Ltd., State Senator Jen Kiggans, former Gov. Allen, Diamond Hill a retreat, EIT, Reyes Productions, O’Connor Brewing, Coastal Angler Magazine, Fil-Am Lions, Fil-Am CAG, Dong’s Specialty Lumpia, PremPay Development, LLC, Edward Jones Investments, Pitts Legacy, Inman and Strickler, UMAC… 

MMM and Alaska Battle Dawgs gratefully acknowledged and sincerely thank all event sponsors and numerous fantastic volunteers!

Montero Medical Missions provides and creates sustainable healthcare projects for physicians and allied health professionals with international roots, sharing blessings and healthcare with their fellow countrymen.

Montero Medical Missions provides international humanitarian missions with an exceptional continuing domestic presence, serving mainly our veterans with healthcare needs. MMM’s future plan is to establish sustainable healthcare projects with a foothold in Romania for Eastern Europe, Zambia for Africa, Paraguay for South America, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean region. MMM’s biggest asset is having connections in the United States with healthcare professionals in many specialties.  If you would like to support MMM and its missions, please visit www.MonteroMedicalMissions.org.

Alaska Battle Dawgs’ mission is “Helping warriors one step at a time.” If you would like to support this joint project with MMM, please visit www.battledawgs.org.For MMM’s international missions, visit www.monteromedicalmissions.org.

Award-Winning Asian Artists Shine at DC’s Asian Heritage Celebration

The U.S. is home to millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, representing a diverse array of cultures and traditions. Over 22 million Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, each with unique histories, cultures, languages and other ethnic characteristics. The U.S. Asian population is projected to reach 46 million by 2060.

Asian Americans have contributed to nearly ALL sectors of our nation’s economy including education, healthcare, military, government and private businesses. 

During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the nation celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and pays tribute to the generations who have enriched and strengthened our nation.

In celebrating Asian American Heritage Month, Montgomery County, Montgomery County hosted its 2nd annual “Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration” in May, 2023 in the nation’s capital region.

Four award winning Asian American artists showcased their original art pieces at the event.

These artists representing American Asian Art Association and Global Art Gallery which represent over 200 Chinese American artists from China, Taiwan and greater China region.  The group has exhibited at major art exhibitions over the past decade and its artists have won many major American and international awards and recognitions, especially the world’s largest fine art exhibition World ArtExpo New York, which has hosted masters including Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Keith Haring and Leroy Neiman….

Here are the featured artists:

Dr. Ellen Qiong SchicktanMaster Sculptor & Oil Painter

Dr. Schicktan is one of the most celebrated Chinese American oil painters and sculptors, and has won many important awards including the Alice Island Medal of Honor, the American Immigration Award. She received her Ph.D. in History of Literature and Art from Kyoto University of Art and Art and Waseda University. She is currently Vice-President of the Rodin International Artists Foundation, and Director of the Museum of American Goddess. Her paintings and sculptures have been collected by the Fuji Museum of Art, the Museum of American Independence Hall Museum, the National Constitution Center, and the National Historic Park Museum.

In 2019, as the first Asian American artist, she successfully held a solo oil painting sculpture exhibition at the National Memorial Hall in the Federal Hall in New York in 2021.  She has wone the highest honor, “Art Excellence Achievement Award” since 2021.

In 2022, Dr. Schicktan won the Chinese Cultural Heritage Award of the National Chinese Conference in Washington, DC. She is the 2nd Asian artist who won such honor after the Chinese-American Master Sculptor Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Asian Heritage Month Celebration at the Nation’s Capital Region Showcased Award Winning Asian American ArtistsAsian Heritage Month Celebration at the Nation’s Capital Region Showcased Award Winning Asian American Artists

(Dr. Ellen Schicktan received the highest honor “Art Excellence Achievement Award” at the World ArtExpo New York 2023)

Asian Heritage Month Celebration at the Nation’s Capital Region Showcased Award Winning Asian American Artists

Iconic Revolutionary Moments in Bronze, The sculptures, which weigh in at 1500lbs. each, depict iconic paintings from the American Revolution.

Iconic Revolutionary Moments in Bronze – Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org)

Asian Heritage Month Celebration at the Nation’s Capital Region Showcased Award Winning Asian American Artists

Washington Crossing the Delaware – bronze sculpture, the original sculture is displayed at the Philadelphia Independence Hall Museum.

Ms. Yanbo HuangOil Painter, Fashion Designer

Ms. Huang graduated from Southern Illinois University with an MFA (Master of Fine Arts). Majoring in Art and Design, she is an internationally acclaimed artist with a wide range of accomplishments in painting, fashion design, Digital Art, and teaching.

She has won several major American and international awards including “Award of Excellence” at the world’s largest World ArtExpo New York. She was named as one of the world’s top 40 most talented and creative designers/artists by the world’s most famous Fairfield Fashion Show for two consecutive years.

Her dream-like melodic brushstrokes and thickly painted oil surfaces is reminiscent of Van Gogh’s style, but her work has a surrealistic romantic and aesthetic affinity, which we can also call a “New Age Artistic Ethos.”

(Ms. Huang receiving the “Award of Excellence” at the world’s largest World ArtExpo New York 2023)

(Oil Painting: Garden #3 – Flower with Humming Bird)

Mr. Hai Wei – Oil Painter

Mr. Hai Wei is an educator and painter. He was professionally trained as an oil painter at Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts in China.

He has dedicated his life to both teaching and painting. He has exhibited at major art exhibitions, museums and art fairs in the US, Macau, China and internationally. He has exhibited and won awards at the following major art exhibitions:

  • Award of Excellence, World ArtExpo New York 2022
  • Won the “Best Prize,” for his oil landscape painting, China Academy of Fine Arts
  • ”Destination Downtown” Long Island Gold Coast Art Center, New York
  • “2020 Online Exhibition of Anti-epidemic Works” China Art News
  • “Summer of Manhattan” New York Exhibition of Overseas Artists Association
  • Independent Cogitate Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese and Western Art Exchange – New York State Capitol Building
  • “EXPORT” International Art Exhibition (Hudson Museum of History)…


Mr. Wei’s paintings have been featured by magazines and art publications and is recognized as one of the “100 Top Contemporary Chinese Artists” (Beijing “earth Gallery”).

Mr. Wei immigrated to the US as an “Outstanding Artists” with his artist wife Helen Huang and call New York their home.

Dr. Ye Fiber – Oil Painter

As a professional opera singer and artist, Dr. Fiber has been recognized for her work by the “360-degree Leaf Fiber Personal Art Exhibition”, “Global Mural Expo” and was interviewed by CBS TV.

Dr. Fiber has been featured at the “International Women Painters Art Exhibition” three times in a row.  In 2021, she was shortlisted for the “6th Bay Women Artists Exhibition in 2021”. In the same year, her work was published in the art magazine “Along”.

Her works have also been exhibited at the “World ArtExpo New York, 2021 and 2023.”

In 2023, she was appointed Secretary General and Executive Director of the American Asian Art Association.

(First Love, Oil Painting by Dr. Fiber)

(Nature, Oil Painting by Dr. Fiber).

Helen Huang

Professionally trained and educated at the premiere art university,

“Central Academy of Fine Arts” in China as an oil painter, Ms. Huang has been engaged in painting, teaching, and research of children’s art.

She immigrated to the United States as an “Artist with Outstanding Talents” in 2016, and has been recognized by the “Asian Artists Association”, “Overseas Chinese Artists Association” and “Hudson Artists Association” as one of the top artists.

She has exhibited at both major art exhibitions in the US and internationally, and received numerous awards including the followings:

  • The 4th New Abstract Art and Annual Exhibition in 2021 and won the Bronze Medal.
  • New York International Art Fair, USA
  • “Summer in Manhattan” New York Exhibition of Overseas Artists Association, Manhattan
  • “Independent Thinking” Chinese and Western Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibition – New York State Capitol, won the Outstanding Artist Award
  • “Export” International Art Exhibition (Hudson Museum of History)
  • “Zen Heart. Spring Language” 2019 American Chinese Artists Invitational Exhibition…


The Artist’s Words:

By chance, I started working with children’s art, and was moved by its primitive, intuitive, and most vivid vitality. Therefore, from 2001 to 2018, for 17 years, I went deep into the front line of teaching and studied children’s art.

In this way, I merge myself into children’s art and folk art, primitive art, African art, and even modern art, etc., and realize the interlinkage between these arts.

French artist Jean Philippe Arthur Dubuffet called it “art native.”

While teaching, I have experimented with integration of teaching with my art.  Teaching children has helped me a great deal in my art creation.  I will continue to explore endlessly and will never tire of it…

These artists’ work will soon be featured on the www.GlobalArtsGallery.org, a platform showcasing original art works from around the world.

Montgomery County Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

Montgomery County hosted its 2nd annual “Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration” on Sunday May 21, 2023. This event was sponsored by the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships (OCP), with support from the AAHI Steering Committee and the County Executive’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group. 

It is estimated that nearly 42% of the state of Maryland’s Asian American population lives in Montgomery County. Accounting for nearly 16% of the County population, the Asian American and Pacific Islander population is made up of over 20 different ethnic subgroups. In addition to being ethnically diverse, the Asian American population is also diverse in employment and is vital to the economic growth of the county. 

This annual event is to honor and recognize the rich diversity of the AAPI communities in Montgomery County. The event was strongly supported by over 30 Asian community organizations, government agencies, local non-profits, and healthcare providers. The event included a mini-health fair that offered community health services including bone density, blood pressure, body composition, hepatitis, and carbon monoxide screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations, Narcan training, and mental health, nutrition, opioid, and senior wellness education. Additionally, there was a community resource fair where AAPI community organizations highlighted their services and educated the public on their heritage. Other components of the event included thirteen different cultural performances that represented several Asian cultures, and interactive children’s activities. Ultimately, the event highlighted the contributions of AAPI-serving and AAPI-led organizations in Montgomery County.

In addition, the celebration also included remarks from local, and state elected officials, including County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland State Delegate Sarah Wolek, Montgomery County Councilmembers Kristin Mink, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Marilyn Balcombe, representatives from Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Will Jawando’s offices, and Montgomery County Sheriff Maxwell Uy.  County Executive Marc Elrich presented a proclamation to recognize and celebrate the AAPI community: “The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is now one of the fastest-growing communities in Montgomery County, representing over 16 percent of the total population; and has made innumerable contributions to the economic, cultural, and civic growth of Montgomery County…”

(Marc Enrich with elected local and state officials, Kristin Mink, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Marilyn Balcombe, representatives from Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Will Jawando’s offices and Rose Hong, Emcee)

(County Executive Marc Elrich presented Proclamations to the Asian Community Leaders)

The highlights of the event included cultural performances, a mini-health fair, a community resource fair, arts & crafts for children, free henna and face painting, and local food vendors…

The cultural performances were warmly received and presented by over 10 community organizations including Cambodians of Washington Metropolitan Area, Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington, Global Dragon TV, Chinese American Community Health Services, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Coordination Council of Chinese American Associations, Happy Life Vietnamese Senior Group, Mabuhay Inc. Dance Troupe, Natanajali School of Dance, Vietnamese American Services, and Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club…

(Chinese Qipao Dance “Women are Like a Book” was inspired by Rose Hong’s newly published book “Vanished”, showcased award-winning arts by Asian American artists. The dance was presented by the Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington/Virginia Qipao Association.)

(Happy Life Vietnamese Senior Group Dance)

The entire event was organized by Ms. Sanjana Quasem and Ms. Tammy Wan of the Asian American Health Initiative, under Montgomery County DHHS and by Yi Shen, the County Executive’s Asian Community Liaison, under the Office of Community Partnerships.

The event was supported by over 30 Asian community organizations and attended by over 600 people as a major county event to recognize and celebrate AAPI community.

(Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington had a large presence representing over 70 Chinese alumni groups with over 30 years history.)

(Marc Elrich at the Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington booth with the President of the association Dr. Cherry Ping)

The organizer plans to continue AAPI Heritage Month Celebration in 2024! For more information about Montgomery County, please visit www.AAHIinfo.org.  The organizer plans to continue AAPI Heritage Month Celebration in 2024! For more information about Montgomery County, please visit Montgomery County – Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Community Affairs – Minority Health Programs – Asian American Health Initiative (montgomerycountymd.gov)

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The Miss China International 2023 Winner Crowned

The “Miss China International” 2023 North America Contest ended successfully on June 25th at Grand Resort Hotel in New Jersey! The top three winners were announced and represented the best of the American Chinese young women in their beauty, style, and talents.

It is estimated that 1/5 of the world population is Chinese and the Chinese language is the most spoken language in the world! China has become one of the world’s largest emigration countries.

“Miss China International” pageant was first held in 2008 and has been successfully held for more than ten years (suspended due to the epidemic in 2020, 2021 and 2022), each with contestants from many countries and regions participating in the regional and global finals.  The live broadcast and news coverage of the competition covered more than 130 countries and regions.  

“Miss China International” is one of the largest international beauty pageants in the world for Chinese living overseas. It celebrates Chinese culture, history and diversity and promotes cross culture exchanges and world peace.

The women who participate in Miss China International serve as inspiration and role models to their communities around the world. It empowers women to realize their ambition and to serve their communities.

The highly anticipated Miss China International 2023 featured 17 young women from around the U.S. They showcased their beauty and talents via events including “Personal Introduction & Statement”, “Talent Show”, “Swimwear”, “Chinese Qipao Fashion Show” and “Evening Gown” segments in front of a panel of prestigious judges Including Mr. Jack Zhao, Mr. John Wei, Ms. Gloria Li, Ms. Xia Li, Ms. Yun Yi Liang, Prof. Jun Jun Zhou, Yong Jun Lu, Jimmy Hu, Esq., Ms. Sammi Mo, Ms. Wendy Chen, and several hundred attendees.

Contestant No. 17, Miss Tina Zhu from Boston, Massachusetts, won the competition and the “Most Popular Award”, and was crowned as “Miss China International (Northern American”.

Contestant No. 5, Alice Wu from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, won the runner-up and the “Most Caring Award”.

Emma Yun (Yun Yue), as contestant No. 3 from New Jersey, won third place and the “Best Costume Award”.  

Miss China International also awarded the following individual awards to:
1. The Most Photogenic Award: Bingham Gu, Contestant No. 14
2. The Most Attractive award: Leah Liu, Contestant No. 15
3. Best Manner Award: Chloe Zhou, Contestant No. 7
4. Most Dynamic Award: Ruthia Chan, Contestant No. 9
5. Ambassador Award: Melody Jiang, Contestant No. 8
6. Best Costume Award: Emma Yun, Contestant No. 3
7. The Best Model Award: No. 10 beautiful Sharon Shi, Contestant No. 10
8. The Best Bodybuilding Award: May Loo, Contestant No. 12
9. Most Caring Award: Alice Wu, Contestant No. 5
10. Friendship Ambassador Award: Rachael Jost, Contestant No. 11
11. Mos Friendly Award: Joanna Yao, Contestant No. 13
12. The Most Popular Award: Tina Zhu, Contestant No. 17

“Miss China International” pageant is not only a beauty contest, but also an important platform for promoting cultural exchanges and world peace. “Miss China International” pageant is an independent legal entity, and its logo, all contests and business registration are protected by intellectual property rights.

In the past few years, the stage of the “Miss Chinese World” contest has witnessed the growth and transformation of thousands of young women. These contestants showcased their beauty and talents on the world stage; and at the same time, through the experience of the competition, they constantly improved their confidence and leadership.

President Gloria Li of the “Miss Chinese World Overseas Contest” has been committed to identifying and cultivating potential beauty pageants, and personally led the team to compete internationally.

Since 2014, all the contestants selected by President Gloria Li have won highest awards in the finals of Miss China International Contests, and her unique vision and outstanding “scouting” ability have been praised. “The beauty pageants are held for the purpose of promoting Chinese culture and let the world see the beauty of Chinese women! ” Said President Li.

She personally managed the entire competition of the 2023 North American trials. All 17 contestants showcased extraordinary talents. She worked with nine (9) judges including one lawyer, and 50 staff in front of and behind the scenes.

The contest also included Latin Dance Performance, soloists, and dance performances, in addition to a wide range of talent shows performed by the 17 contestants.  They included dances, both Chinese and modern, violin, guitar, and Chinese traditional music instrument Hu Qing… The stage was professionally designed with astonishing visual effects.

The winners received crowns, ribbons, award certificates, and gifts from sponsors.  Miss China International Tina Chu also received a Zen Kotsu and a cape.

Mr. John Wei, CEO of the Grand Resort Hotel and Tom Basol, President of Dynasty Hospitality, LLC are among the honored title sponsors of the event. Other sponsors and supporters also include OY Events, Star Dance Training Center, Oriental Entertainment Exchange, LLC…

Global Dragon TV, as media sponsor of the event, provided exclusive TV interviews and media coverage. Other media sponsors include Hai Hua City Newspaper, Philadelphia Life, Eagle TV, Chinese Headline, MGM America V TV, The Voice of European Chinese, America South Newspaper, World Journal, Chinese Newspaper, Chinese Overseas Net, Southeast Net, Hawaii Newspaper…

Award winning artists, Ms. Yanbo Huang, as the 2023 Award Winner of the “Award of Excellence” at the World ArtExpo, and Ms. Jen G, a soprano and an artist also showcased their art works at the ““Miss China International” event.

The organizer has started planning for next year’s 2024 “Miss China International” event. For more information, please contact the organizer at sharplee16988@gmail.com, or phone number at 856-383-8978.