Camp Arifjan celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo By Officer Candidate Sean Harding | Chicago native Sgt. David Woulard, assigned to the 379th Chemical Company, performed a solo guitar composition at Camp Arifjan's National Hispanic Heritage Month observance Oct. 4, 2019. The observance is celebrated each year beginning on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Sean Harding)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

10.10.2019

Story by Sgt. Sean Harding 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Area Support Group-Kuwait recognized American Hispanics for their contributions to U.S. culture society at observation in the Zone 1 chapel Thursday.

The ceremony included two cultural dance performances and a musical performance by U.S. Soldiers, as well as an educational presentation of significant contributions by Hispanic-Americans to U.S. culture, the military and technological advancement followed the celebration of cultural diversity.

"Hispanics have played an integral role in anti-terrorism operations and have been a partner of choice in establishing key host nation strategic and operational relationships," said guest speaker Maj. Juan C. Hernandez, Operations Officer for Area Support Group-Kuwait. "As we say thank you to those who come behind us, we must look forward and ask ourselves what we are going to do for those who come after us."

Among those recognized for their contributions were the influential architect César Pelli, who served as dean of the Yale School of Architecture, Pvt. Joseph Martinez, the first Hispanic-American awarded the Medal of Honor and folk singer Joan Baez.

Hispanic Americans have not hesitated to defend and show their allegiance to this nation in many ways, but especially through military service. The Army and the U.S. draw strength from the diversity that makes up America's melting pot.

Staff Sgt. Miranda Sylva, a company equal opportunity leader, assigned to the 11th Signal Brigade, says that seeing Hispanic-Americans make an impact on society could be a source of hope for other individuals.

"It gives them hope that they can one day reach that," she said.

"The military culture is a very diverse culture and background," said Chicago native Sgt. David Woulard, assigned to the 379th Chemical Company. "... It's one of the best places you'll find a little bit of everything. So this is important because it highlights just one aspect of the people, the whole military culture that makes up who we are and what we do and how we operate."

• Date Taken: 10.10.2019
• Date Posted: 10.10.2019 11:13
• Story ID: 347019
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW
• Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US