A conversation with Patti Wilson on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month
Wilson was a NATCA member, attending many conventions and participating in lobbying weeks on Capitol Hill, continuing as an associate member throughout her time in management. In addition to holding various positions at NorCal Tracon as both a TMC, FLM, and OM, she also was detailed to headquarters at AJV-8 – Terminal Procedures. Patti is recently retired from the FAA and still active as sponsorship chair for PWC.
PATTI WILSON What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you? I was adopted from South Korea in 1972 by a wonderful Caucasian family, I was born there in 1970. When I was younger AAPI meant nothing to me. I spent my youth and most of my twenties in “Asian denial”. I hated being Korean and wanted nothing to do with it. When I was a kid, anytime we went out to an Asian restaurant I ordered a hamburger or fried chicken, anything to seem more American. I actually never learned how to use chop sticks until I was stationed in at Yokota Air Base Japan in the USAF as an air traffic controller in 1989.
Up until recently I don’t believe AAPIs have received enough acknowledgement for their service to this country and their persecutions from this country. In the late 19th century, U.S. federal law openly targeted Chinese immigrants and until recently we have not spotlighted this issue. I believe it was not until COVID-19, when Asians were randomly being assaulted, was it really brought forward. It was after these assaults that my family asked me for the first time if I had experienced racism, and it really hit me. Answer, YES!
The WATCH - Summer 2022 | 12
