Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Selvage | Lt. Col. Michael Williams, deputy commander of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade,...... read more read more
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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Combined Joint Task Force-10 hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Observance, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 10. The celebration highlighted the achievements of Hispanics, both in and outside of the military.
The 82nd CAB brought a little bit of Hispanic America to Afghanistan, taking minds off of the dangers lying just beyond the concrete barriers by providing cultural enlightenment through entertainment.
“We put on this celebration each year to bring awareness to the culture of Hispanics and their contributions within the military,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shelly Kirk, brigade equal opportunity advisor, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. “We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.”
For Col. Willie Rios III, commander, 10th Sustainment Brigade, fourth-generation American, who served as the guest speaker, this was an event that hit home.
“It’s important to remind ourselves of the struggles and the service of many Hispanic Americans throughout our country,” said Col. Willie Rios III, commander, 10th Sustainment Brigade. “I am honored to be a part of this celebration.”
The celebration was highly decorated, showing pieces of multiple Hispanic cultures.
“The most challenging thing was trying to get everything here in theater in a timely manner,” said Kirk. “All of the decorations took about a month to get in theater.”
The celebration had more than a guest speaker; it included entertainment for the audience showcasing Hispanic culture.
“We had a series of performances,” said Rios. “We had a team of salsa dancers, referred to as the ‘Combat Salsa Team.’ A Soldier also flew in from Kandahar to sing a Hispanic-themed song.”
Rios concluded the ceremony with what the future may hold for Hispanics.
“Our future is bright, not only for Hispanics but for all minorities,” said Rios. “[This celebration] reminds us of what a diverse country we have and the opportunities that are out there.”
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.17.2014 05:46 |
| Story ID: | 145301 |
| Location: | BAGRAM, AF |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Far from home, deployed service members celebrate Hispanic Heritage, by Christopher Freeman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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