CAB Soldiers celebrate Hispanic American month

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt | From left, Spc. Karla Wadel, aviation operations specialist from Houston, and Sgt. Karla Toledo Martinez, human resources specialist from San Juan, Puerto Rico, both from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, enjoy the show after performing a Reggaeton dance at the CAB's Hispanic American Heritage Month Observance celebration on Camp Taji, Sept. 27, 2008. Soldiers from the brigade enjoyed a mixture of dancing performances and authentic Hispanic cuisine in celebration of the observance which runs through Oct. 15, 2008.  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.27.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt 

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – As dancers swayed in brightly colored Hispanic costumes to the sounds of rhythmic music, Soldiers from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, celebrated Hispanic American Heritage Month on Camp Taji, Sept. 27, 2008.

With a standing room only crowd observing the traditional south-of-the-border display, Soldiers on the camp north of Baghdad were treated to authentic celebratory dances to include the Jarabe Tapatio, Reggaeton and the La Bamba.

In addition, Soldiers enjoyed fine, Hispanic cuisine together and talked about the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the U.S. and its fighting forces.

"In every war since the Civil War, Hispanic Americans have sacrificed their lives for this country," said Sgt. Maj. Augustine Flores, plans and operations sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, CAB from LaPryor, Texas. "Currently, there are 1.1 million Hispanic American veterans. When our country has been in need, Hispanic Americans have answered the call and have risked their lives. This country was founded by the blood of many Hispanic Americans."

To date, there are 42 Hispanic Americans who have received the Medal of Honor for their courage. Hispanic Americans have received the nation's highest honor for bravery in action during the Civil War, the Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

According to the annual proclamation by President George W. Bush, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans everywhere.

The observance which runs, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2008, recognizes the many Hispanics who have made significant contributions to America and the impact they have brought to our society and culture.

"In the USA, we have a rich heritage. It is a melting pot with a lot of different people from different places which makes our country so special," said Command Sgt. Maj. Archie Davis, senior enlisted non-commissioned officer for the Iron Eagle brigade from Houston. "It is not just one race that makes our country so special, but all races put together that makes our country and Army so great."

After the speeches, entertainment and presentations were complete, Soldiers from the brigade talked about the Hispanic influence on America and how they hadn't known about all the contributions they have made.

"I found out today there is more of a Hispanic influence in the Army than I thought there was," said Pfc. Armando Navarro, legal specialist, HHC, CAB from Bakersfield, Calif. "Now knowing the Hispanic heritage, it is great to know that others have the same sense of pride with our culture and serving our country as I do."

• Date Taken: 09.27.2008
• Date Posted: 09.28.2008 08:33
• Story ID: 24237
• Location: TAJI, IQ