Honoring heritage

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, UNITED STATES

10.06.2015

Photo by Kristen Wong 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Andres Martin, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, stands beside his UH-1Y Huey in Hangar 101, Oct. 6, 2015. Martin, a Los Angeles native, is the son of Mexican immigrants. His mother worked for a produce packing company and his father was a welder. “They came from nothing to having the American dream,” he said. Martin is the first in his family to be born in the U.S. and join the military. He joined the Corps to be part of something elite. “It’s not even a job, it’s a passion,” Martin said of the Marine Corps. For Martin, National Hispanic American Heritage Month means taking on challenges. Though some people may believe their background keeps them from reaching their goals, Martin believes otherwise. “I really hate people who make excuses, like ‘we grew up in the 'hood.’ I’m living proof that you’re able to set goals, follow them and listen to your mentors.” As National Hispanic American Heritage Month continues through Oct. 15, Marines celebrate the culture and achievements of Hispanic Americans, which today make up approximately 15 percent of the Corps. Noteworthy Hispanic Marines have been recognized throughout history, such as Vietnam-era Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alfredo Gonzalez, and Maj. Gen. Angela Salinas, the first Latina to earn the rank of brigadier general. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kristen Wong)

• Date Taken: 10.06.2015
• Date Posted: 10.07.2015 20:37
• Photo ID: 2220181
• VIRIN: 151006-M-TH981-001
• Resolution: 2060x3000
• Size: 3.46 MB
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, US
• Hometown: LOS ANGELES, CA, US