HSA Shapes Ike’s Family

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

06.12.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Estrella 

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)   

The Hispanic Sailor Association (HSA) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) gives Sailors an opportunity to connect with Hispanic and Latino heritage through the cultural values of food, family and friends.
HSA serves as a platform to unify everyone interested in learning and experiencing Hispanic culture by holding events and activities to explore diversity and build camaraderie.
“Hispanic culture is fun and family-oriented,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Carlos Vargas, the HSA senior enlisted advisor. “It is centered around family values and full of traditions, various dialects, legends, art, music, literature, history and cuisine. Everyone is welcome no matter their background. HSA is open to any and everyone who wants to join the family.”
The president of HSA, Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Angelique Santos, leans heavily on her HSA family when underway and away from her husband and two children.
“Family is a big part of my life,” said Santos. “I give the most to my family and HSA fills the void when I am not able to see them. I fulfill my need to take care of others with my surrogate family: HSA.”
In the past, HSA has collaborated with the coordinators of the Morning of Hope – Hampton Roads Suicide and Mental Awareness Walk with over 500 Ike Sailors and their families. The event helped to inform the community of military and veteran suicides, as well as mental health issues.
“We have to stick together and help each other overcome hardships,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Veronica Guerrero, HSA’s vice president. “We are all a family because we spend so much time together. Knowing we can band together for the Morning of Hope walk helps HSA achieve the goal of togetherness and inclusion. We hope to do it again this year.”
Guerrero said she not only hopes to continue events that foster a family environment onboard Ike, but additionally wants to showcase the importance of food to Hispanic culture.
“Food is extremely important for our culture!” said Guerrero, “You can’t have a family gathering without food or music.”
Recently, HSA held an event called “Salsa Con Salsa”, Vargas said. It was focused on salsa, food and music. The combination of a favorite dish and a past-time in Hispanic culture created an atmosphere of music, laughing and dancing on the mess decks while Ike was underway.
“Every Latin-American country has its own dish and music that defines them,” said Vargas. “It’s not just one dish or one ingredient, but we have a collective to comprise our food culture. The point of holding events is for everyone to show up and learn a little about culture and tradition. Sailors from different backgrounds gathered together to learn more about each other. Food has the power to bring people together.”
HSA is open to any and everyone who wants to join the family, food and friendship. For more information, visit the HSA page on Ike’s SharePoint under “Special Programs”.

• Date Taken: 06.12.2019
• Date Posted: 06.12.2019 16:20
• Story ID: 327042
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US