Joint Task Force Guantanamo honors Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Fleischmann | Marine Sgt. Maj. Juan Hidalgo, the senior enlisted leader for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, served as guest speaker at the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

10.16.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Carmen Fleischmann 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Warriors deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo come from a variety of locations, backgrounds and branches of service. Over the years, the military as a whole has developed into a melting pot, both culturally and ethnically diverse, uniting as one for the common goal of defending the United States of America. A vital piece of that fighting force is comprised of Hispanics.

Warriors deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo come from a variety of locations, backgrounds and branches of service. Over the years, the military as a whole has developed into a melting pot, both culturally and ethnically diverse, uniting as one for the common goal of defending the United States of America. A vital piece of that fighting force is comprised of Hispanics.

In order to recognize the legacy of Hispanics in the military, the 525th Military Police Battalion hosted a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Troopers’ Chapel Tuesday, in which Warriors from a variety of different cultures took part.

“I like the fact that we look out here and you do see a mix,” said Marine Sgt. Maj. Juan Hidalgo, the JTF GTMO senior enlisted leader and guest speaker for the event. “You see the diversity … and it’s awesome because although it is Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s one team, one fight.”

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. During the ceremony, troopers were treated to a video created by Soldiers of the 525th, entitled “My Hispanic Heritage,” that featured Hispanic military members and some of their unique customs and traditions.

Following the video, Hidalgo spoke about his own experiences in the military, as well as an important figure in his life, his grandfather Don Jose Ignacio. Don Jose had 12 children, some of which entered the military.

“What is instilled in Hispanics? Patriotism and hard work – that’s something he taught to his children and was passed down to his grandchildren,” said Hidalgo.

Concluding the event, troopers in attendance enjoyed some Hispanic-themed refreshments, including piñata candy.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2014
• Date Posted: 10.16.2014 13:21
• Story ID: 145229
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU