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    HRC conducts Fort Knox 2015 Hispanic Heritage observance

    HRC conducts Fort Knox 2015 Hispanic Heritage observance

    Photo By David Ruderman | Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger, the senior NCO of U.S. Army Human Resources Command’s...... read more read more

    FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

    09.18.2015

    Story by David Ruderman 

    U.S. Army Human Resources Command

    FORT KNOX, Kentucky - U.S. Army Human Resources Command conducted the 2015 Fort Knox Hispanic Heritage observance at the Waybur Theater Sept. 18. The guest speaker was Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger, the senior NCO of HRC’s Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate.

    Kessinger addressed both the historical and the personal, transformative values that are at the heart of Hispanic, or Latino, American culture, which are celebrated annually during the monthlong observance.

    “It isn’t only about celebrating culture,” said Kessinger. “It focuses on the contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the country. It is a reminder to everyone that, if you believe in yourself, you can make a real difference, regardless of your race.

    “Stepping back for a moment, I think we should all reflect on how fortunate we all are to live in this great country. We’re a nation of immigrants. We represent different cultures, ethnicities and roots. But even though we are different, we are Americans first. This is what makes America great, and we need to embrace that. We need to continue to be a nation of immigrants and realize that our differences can also bring us together,” she said.

    Kessinger pointed out that the Army, like the nation itself, is made up of people from all around the world. In both the Army and society at large, Americans of all backgrounds can maintain their particular ancestry and heritage with pride, while joining together with their fellow Americans to admire, appreciate and celebrate the diverse ethnic fibers that constitute the social fabric of the country.

    “By understanding the diverse nature of our Army, we can then understand the Soldier next to us on our left and our right. Most of the time, we find out that we are much more alike than we are different. It’s about breaking barriers and respecting one another,” she said.

    Kessinger noted that as of 2015, America’s myriad Hispanic communities total more than 53 million people or 17 percent of the country’s population. Hispanic Americans come from a wide array of distinct and vibrant cultures and have contributed beyond measure to the history and character of the nation.

    She pointed out that more than 1.2 million Hispanic Americans have served proudly in the armed forces, many having made the ultimate sacrifice. Since the Civil War, 61 Hispanic Americans have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest honor, for distinguished valor in combat. Current Department of Defense statistics indicate that approximately 115,000 Soldiers of Hispanic descent presently serve the Army and the nation, approximately 11.4 percent of the total force, she said.

    Kessinger went on to relate her personal story of growing up as the eldest of six children in a Mexican-American family in Seguin, Texas, and her journey as a Soldier. She described a life in which dedication to family, God and hard work set her on a path that led from adversity to personal fulfillment.

    “Wanting to be a Soldier and then actually doing it are two different things. I found out that it wasn’t as easy as I might have imagined it,” she said.

    Kessinger described meeting Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez at an Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in 1992. That chance encounter helped her resolve some of the personal doubts she encountered in her early career, she said.

    “Talk about pride and motivation to stay in the Army. So, here I stand before you today, a true testament to what hard work, determination, the support and love of your family, and the grace of God can do for you. Nothing is impossible, or as we say in my native language, “Si, se puede!” You can do anything as long as you believe in yourself,” said Kessinger.

    Looking ahead, Kessinger pointed out the personal responsibility every American bears to him or herself, to family and to fellow Americans.

    “We have all benefitted tremendously from the distinguished service and selfless sacrifice of Hispanics at all levels of our Army and our nation. We know there is strength in diversity. We are Army Strong because we embrace the strengths of diverse people in an inclusive environment,” she said.

    “It is our responsibility to mentor and to develop those young kids, to instill a sense of pride and confidence so that they one day can be successful in whatever career they choose. When you walk out of here today, I want you to walk out with pride. You can overcome any obstacle and do anything you set your mind to do,” Kessinger said.

    “Let’s continue to break those barriers, change culture mindsets and set the standards for all of our brothers and sisters, who will one day walk in our boots. I urge you to go out there, accept everyone for who they are. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, love one another. Dream big and never give up.

    “God bless you and God bless America. Viva la raza!”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.18.2015
    Date Posted: 09.22.2015 10:59
    Story ID: 176827
    Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US
    Hometown: SEQUIN, TX, US

    Web Views: 44
    Downloads: 0

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