Courtesy Photo | Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz, of Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., unexpectedly...... read more read more
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Ten-year Air Force veteran Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz was thrilled just to be at the White House for the Sept. 15 kick-off for National Hispanic Heritage Month. She never imagined that it would turn into a reunion.
Ortiz was one of eight servicemembers representing Hispanics in the military. Among the prominent personalities in attendance was entertainment personality Rachel Campos, who currently co-hosts "Speaking of Women's Health" with actress Florence Henderson on the Lifetime cable network.
The two women recognized one another immediately. It turns out that Ortiz and Campos met in kindergarten and both describe the other as their only childhood friend, Ortiz said.
A self-described "Air Force brat," Ortiz is currently a public affairs officer stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. She said that the Air Force is her family's business. Her father retired from the Air Force as a senior master sergeant and her sister, Jennifer, also a captain, is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and currently stationed in Japan.
Ortiz' and Campos' fathers ended up being transferred to the same bases, which allowed the women to go through the fifth grade together. They also both share a Hispanic heritage. Both of their mothers, also longtime friends, are natives of Spain, Ortiz said.
"I've seen her on TV through the years," Ortiz said. "It was a pretty joyful occasion on top of just being at the White House."
In his remarks at the event, President Bush said he recognized Hispanic servicemembers and their service to the country. "Latinos have contributed to the defense of freedom abroad and to the advance of freedom inside our own country," Bush said.
"Today there are almost 200,000 Hispanic Americans serving in the armed forces," the president continued. "Eight of these incredibly brave men and women are with us today. ... Thank you for wearing the uniform."
National Hispanic Heritage Month continues through Oct. 15.
Story by Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2025 03:26 |
| Story ID: | 535394 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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