Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Sea Dragons pays homage to Hispanic Heritage

    Sea Dragons pays homage to Hispanic Heritage

    Photo By Kimberly Menzies | U.S. Army Col. Carlos Betancourt, the operations assistant chief of staff with 94th...... read more read more

    FORT SHAFTER, HI, UNITED STATES

    10.09.2014

    Story by Sgt. Kimberly Menzies 

    94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

    By Sgt. Kimberly K. Menzies
    94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Public Affairs

    FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command hosted a Hispanic Heritage Observance ceremony, Oct. 10, 2014, at the Fort Shafter Exchange.

    The event, a culmination of several parts of Hispanic culture, was open to the United States Army Pacific community for attendance.

    The theme for this year’s observance, Hispanics: A Legacy of History, a Present of Action and a Future of Success, resonated deeply with the guest speaker of the event.

    “This theme resonates with me personally because it encompasses my Family’s personal story, as well as the stories of many others of Hispanic origin here in the United States Army,” Said Lt. Col. Alberto Rodriguez Cruz, the operations deputy assistant chief of staff, with 8th Theater Sustainment Command. “I joined the Army in search of the American dream.”

    Rodriguez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and is a graduate from both InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico and Bowie State University, Maryland.

    “The theme calls not only for the recognition of the contributions Hispanics have given to our Nation, but for the appreciation and respect of the individuals who have unconditionally championed these,” shares Rodriguez.

    “This celebration remembers Hispanics who have served in so many capacities, as members of the Armed Forces defending American liberties; as teachers and mentors in schools and in communities; as police officers and first responders, some boost America’s economy as business owners and operators, and there are also those that serve in the Supreme Court, and in the halls of Congress,” said Rodriguez. “Hispanics continue to serve in these roles every day, making a mark on this great nation of ours.”

    “The Hispanic culture is embedded in the history of the United States,” he continued. “As members of the Armed Forces, heroic Hispanic men and women have also fought and died to defend the liberties and security of the United States in every war since the American Revolution, many serving before becoming American citizens.”

    With a sampling of Hispanic foods, dance and music, and information displays, attendees were welcomed with a sense of fellowship and provided a chance to learn about Hispanic culture.

    “It was pretty cool,” shares Pvt. Nkosi Da Costa, a unit supply clerk with 94th AAMDC and a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. “I learned new things about the culture and I found the history very interesting, especially reading about the Medal of Honor recipients. With the music and stuff, I definitely felt the spirit of the heritage.”

    “This celebration was a way for people to share a unique culture and history,” said Debbie Frey, an attendee from the community and spouse of a Soldier. “We all have something to offer. We may look different but we all want to make the Army and our country better.”

    The celebration provided a well rounded atmosphere of community and fellowship and proved to be an occasion to couple education and opportunity.

    “It is opportunity that has brought us here today and it is opportunity that will take us where we need to be tomorrow, but when opportunity arises, we must be ready for it,” said Rodriguez. “Education, when coupled with opportunity, is certainly the key to success.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.09.2014
    Date Posted: 10.14.2014 19:28
    Story ID: 145067
    Location: FORT SHAFTER, HI, US
    Hometown: CAGUAS, PR
    Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY, US

    Web Views: 50
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN