Asia-Pacific observance to feature USMA alumnist, other entertainment

Capt. Ranee J. Rubio, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will be the featured speaker at Fort Monroe’s 2008 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Observance on Wednesday at the Post Theatre.

Free and open to the public, the 90-minute program will begin at 1:30 p.m. The event also will feature a performance by the Young Filipino American Modern Dancers of Virginia and a martial arts demonstration by the Filipino Fighting Arts Academy.

During her talk, Rubio will reflect on this year’s APAHM theme “Leadership, Diversity, Harmony — Gateway to Success.”

Currently serving as the Executive Officer for the Special Assistant for Individual Training, TRADOC G-3, Rubio is approaching her 10th year of military service. She entered the Army as a Signal Officer after earning her commission and Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Psychology (Ergonomics).

The captain said she has her older sister to thank for the advice that helped her earn free college education and recognize her potential for career success.

Rubio was born in Manila, Philippines. She immigrated with her family to upstate New York at the age of six, but has since made Virginia Beach her home. Ranee (pronounced “Ronnie”) was the first student body president elected at Tallwood High School. She graduated in 1993.

With no money to attend college, Rubio said her sister, Sharih, mentored her on pursuing free education opportunities by attending a service academy or enrollment in an ROTC program at a traditional college. Rubio attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg) for two years as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet before being accepted at West Point.

After her academy training, Rubio was assigned to Camp Zama, Japan, where she first served on the staff of S3 Plans and Operations, 78th Signal Battalion. From there, she became the Commander of the 287th Signal Company, also at Camp Zama.

During the summer of 2006, Rubio reported to Fort Monroe where she was assigned to the Individual Training Directorate, TRADOC G-3/5/7.

Rubio is actively involved in the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Young Filipino Professionals of Hampton Roads. She also serves as the youth advisor to the Waray-waray Next Generation of the Waray-waray Association of Tidewater, and occasionally serves as host of the weekly WHRO FilAm television show.

Rubio has an older brother, Tristan, who is an Army noncommissioned officer currently serving in South Korea.

For more information about the observance, contact Mike Rathmann at 788-4451.