Photo By Marcy Sanchez | (From right to Left) Dr. Larry Valero, director of the National Security Studies...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas- Americans across the nation and abroad will be reflecting on the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made, and continue to make, to the history and legacy of the United States, during National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This year, the Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Battalion hosted William Beaumont Army Medical Center’s Hispanic Heritage Observance at WBAMC, Sept. 14.
Dr. Larry Valero, director of the National Security Studies Institute at the University of Texas at El Paso, and the guest speaker for the observance, offered a rich history lesson on the military service of past and present Hispanic service members. Valero, well versed in military history, served on the faculty of the Department of International Security and Military Studies at the United States Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Attendees were enthused by the history lesson while learning about unsung heroes.
“I was overwhelmed to learn of all the heroism and many contributions Hispanic Americans have made in shaping our nation,” said Staff Sgt. Tia M. Sanders, a squad leader with the Fort Bliss WTB and native of Chester, Pa. “This has been an eye-opening experience I will never forget. I now have a deeper appreciation for what Hispanic Americans have done for our country.”
The observance also boasted local Mexican-American artist Gabriel S. Gaytan. Gaytan displayed an art exhibit of vibrant colors and addressed the audience on his inspiration for making art. Gaytan incorporates Mexican-American symbolism with Mexican-American historical experience to inform through unique artistic beauty.
At the close of the event, Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony C. Robinson, acting command sergeant major, WBAMC, presented certificates of appreciation to Valero and Gaytan on behalf of the WBAMC community for their participation in the observance. Capt. Daniel McNamee, a nurse case manager with the Ft. Bliss WTB and officer in charge of the observance, also vocalized his appreciation for their contribution and for those who attended the observance.
“It’s events like this that allow us to reflect on our nation’s diversity, especially of those that serve,” said McNamee. “With Dr. Valero’s presentation and Mr. Gaytan’s art exhibit, we can clearly see how our diversity contributes to this great nation.”
Many in attendance remained after the observance to study and appreciate Gaytan’s art exhibit while thanking him and Valero for their presentations. For more photos of this event and the latest information on the Fort Bliss WTB, log on and visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fortblisswtb/.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2016 15:31 |
| Story ID: | 210187 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | CHESTER, PA, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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