‘Diversity united, building America’s future today’ theme of Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Calvert | Soldiers stand in line to receive a slice of cake during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Fort Hood Friday. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

09.27.2012

Story by Sgt. Christopher Calvert 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas - The III Corps and the 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Howze Auditorium Friday.

During the free and open-to-the-public ceremony, there was a live performance from Mariachi Los Toros and a speech from Jose Segarra, executive board member for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and 10-year Army veteran.

The theme of this year’s observance was “Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today.” Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, echoed the importance of this year’s theme and its impact on the military.

“Our greatest culture has always been a composite culture,” Campbell said. “Our greatest strength as a nation and a culture is that we consistently and effectively draw on the unique strengths of all members of our society, and combine them into a powerful, cohesive team. This is true for our nation, and perhaps nowhere is it more true than right here in our nation’s Army.”

Campbell said the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration helped illustrate to service members the impact of Hispanics and their many accomplishments in and out of the military.

“The term Hispanic refers to a vast group of distinct cultures, each different and vibrant, yet entwined in a common history,” Campbell explained. “The Hispanic in the U.S. today is part of a rapidly growing culture including economics, politics, industry and art. The Hispanic American is truly building the future today.”

Sgt. Francisco Isaac, a cavalry scout with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., attended the event and said the celebration helped to highlight the diversity of the Hispanic culture.

“Today is an important day because it informs people of the different cultures in the Hispanic community,” Isaac said. “This event shows the diversity and different traditions, and allows individuals the opportunity to see the achievements of Hispanics and their numerous contributions to the military and America.”

• Date Taken: 09.27.2012
• Date Posted: 10.03.2012 10:34
• Story ID: 95634
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US