Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Military Community: Unity and Diversity

2023-09-06T13:14:28-04:00

Hispanic Heritage Month, which we observe from September 15th to October 15th, is a significant time of the year when the nation celebrates the contributions and rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In the military community, this observance holds even greater importance as it serves as a reminder of the diversity within its ranks and the invaluable contributions of Hispanic service members.

Recognizing the Diversity Within the Ranks

The military community is a tapestry of different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions that come together to serve a common purpose – defending the nation. Within this diverse group, Hispanic service members represent a significant portion, bringing their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity for military servicemembers, veterans, families and supporters of the military to recognize and celebrate this diversity. It allows them to appreciate the rich tapestry of backgrounds and traditions that make the military stronger and more resilient. This recognition is important for previous generations, for those in the military community now, and to attract future generations to the profession of arms.

Honoring Hispanic Contributions to the Military

Throughout history, Hispanic Americans have made immense contributions to the United States Armed Forces. From the heroic deeds of Medal of Honor recipients like Master Sergeant Raul Perez "Roy" Benavidez during the Vietnam War to the countless Hispanic service members who have served with honor and distinction in every branch of the military, their legacy is indelible. Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a platform to honor and remember these contributions, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.

Promoting Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity

Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity for military units and veteran organizations to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Organizing events and activities that highlight Hispanic culture, history, and achievements is an important way for the military community to create an environment where all service members feel valued and respected, regardless of their cultural background. Participation by the military community of both those of Hispanic heritage and those without Hispanic background is crucial; we strengthen unit cohesion and foster a sense of belonging among all personnel not only for those currently in the military, but also for those of us no longer in uniform. We must recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans of former generations, our contemporaries, and future servicemembers.

Inspiring Future Generations

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the military community also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations. When young Hispanic individuals see that the largest Army base in the U.S., Fort Cavazos, is named after the first Hispanic 4-star general, they hopefully will be inspired not only by General Cavazos, but by the successes and contributions of Hispanic service members of all ranks. They will be more likely to aspire to join the military and serve their country. This can help diversify the ranks and ensure that the military continues to benefit from a wide range of talents and perspectives.

Hispanic American Heritage month should hold a special place in the hearts of the military community because it is a time when the nation, both those of us with Hispanic heritage and those of us who aren’t Hispanic, acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Hispanic service members, celebrate diversity within the ranks, and promote inclusivity and cultural awareness. By recognizing the rich history and traditions of Hispanic Americans, the military community becomes stronger, more united, and better prepared to defend the nation's ideals and values. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us remember that diversity and unity are strengths that make us a stronger military community.

This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT

Response by SSG William Jones made Sep 6 at 2023 1:30 PM

2023-09-06T13:30:32-04:00

Thanks for posting this article.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Sep 6 at 2023 4:26 PM

2023-09-06T16:26:26-04:00

I live in South Texas and get to celebrate Hispanics every day.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Sep 6 at 2023 4:44 PM

2023-09-06T16:44:44-04:00

So we ignore all the other races and cultures. Never understood it.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Sep 6 at 2023 5:08 PM

2023-09-06T17:08:51-04:00

Good afternoon LTC Hugo Lentze. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this Colonel.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Sep 6 at 2023 6:06 PM

2023-09-06T18:06:44-04:00

When I served it didn't seem to matter what our background was. We all shared the common ground and worked together like a well tuned machine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2023 6:32 PM

2023-09-09T18:32:48-04:00

Maj Kim Patterson thanks for the share.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2023 3:51 PM

2023-09-12T15:51:50-04:00

I'm still struggling to understand why all of the southern bases are having their names changed? By not educating ourselves about our past how can we ever hope to learn from it? By removing any reference is a disservice to our Army.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2023 11:04 PM

2023-09-12T23:04:46-04:00

A great month to highlight a truly bad-ass Green Beret—MSG Roy Benavidez. Absolute legend

https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/roy-p-benavidez/

National Museum of the United States Army

Response by SGT Victor Negrete made Sep 13 at 2023 9:10 AM

2023-09-13T09:10:11-04:00

Hispanics have served U S Military since Civil War , on both sides . And you could go back as far as American Revolution.

Response by PFC Doyle Hayes made Sep 13 at 2023 10:05 AM

2023-09-13T10:05:39-04:00

This guy is a ignorant fool. The military has always had equally. I'm tired of ranking military people being political. The current administration is a domestic terrorist and our military is protecting this criminal organization

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2023 7:17 PM

2023-09-14T19:17:30-04:00

Isn't every person in the United States worth more than a month, a week, or a day? Whether Black, Asian, Hispanic, Samoan, European or another national group, they are all American's and our history and heritage now includes everything all that they were or are today.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2023 7:25 PM

2023-09-14T19:25:04-04:00

What is "ChatGPT"?

Response by MSgt Fred Skeen made Sep 23 at 2023 9:45 AM

2023-09-23T09:45:23-04:00

IMO...all, for the most part, that have or are currently serving are basically honorable in spite of whose month it is and the current identity/political rhetoric.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Sep 29 at 2023 11:29 AM

2023-09-29T11:29:15-04:00

How come there's nothing for European members?

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made May 14 at 2024 5:28 PM

2024-05-14T17:28:24-04:00

Houston area Chapter 39 of the Special Forces Association recently changed its name. It is now officially the "MSG Roy Benavidez Chapter". Roy is a Vietnam Medal of Honor Special Forces recepient... https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/roy-p-benavidez

Roy Perez Benavidez | Vietnam War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

U.S. Army Master Sergeant Roy Perez Benavidez was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during the Vietnam War.