NAVELSG Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, UNITED STATES

10.11.2016

Courtesy Story

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) marked National Hispanic Heritage Month at their headquarters in Williamsburg, Oct. 7.

Every year, the U.S. Navy joins the nation in observing National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period. On August 17, 1988, it was officially enacted, paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

This year's Hispanic Heritage month's theme is "Embracing, Enriching, and Enabling America." To celebrate that theme and Hispanic Heritage month NAVELSG invited Dr. Johnny J. Garcia, a Hampton Roads Hispanic business leader, to speak with Sailors and civilians assigned to the expeditionary logistics command about his culture.

"Clearly there are challenges ahead,” said Garcia, “but there are also tremendous opportunities on the horizon. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to gather the momentum to take stock of history and to assess both the opportunities and challenges currently facing the Hispanic American community as a whole.”

Garcia added that through hard work and perseverance the American dream is possible.

“My faith in the American Dream and the boundless opportunities offered by the United States make me optimistic that the future is bright,” added Garcia.

NAVELSG Command Master Chief Darcy Beauchamp enjoyed the event and emphasized that the Navy remains highly capable and mission ready by leveraging the strengths of a diverse, all-volunteer force.

"At NAVELSG we have a rich culture that values the diverse backgrounds of our Sailors, and truly makes NAVELSG an awesome place to serve," said Beauchamp. "When our command can come together to celebrate events such as Hispanic Heritage month it serves to remind us of how our differences serve to make our Navy team stronger."

NAVELSG is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex and forward-deployed detachments and Reserve battalions located across the United States. NAVELSG provides Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet's surface and air-handling mission. More than 100 Sailors and civilians work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 2,800 active-duty and Reserve Sailors in the administration, logistics and training of their active and Reserve components.

• Date Taken: 10.11.2016
• Date Posted: 10.11.2016 09:34
• Story ID: 211691
• Location: WILLIAMSBURG, VA, US