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Acosta, a Guardsman since 2019, joined for the college benefits and to help become a U.S. citizen. Now deployed to the southern border, she says the highlight of her service was the lifelong friendships she made at bootcamp. "This observance makes me extremely proud. My family was extremely excited to hear about this as well. It feels good to be a representation to other Hispanics in service. I hope that this serves as motivation to those wishing to serve their country, and I hope to remain as an example of the great benefits the military offers."
Alvarez, an intelligence analyst, joined the Guard in 2013, continuing a family legacy of military service. "Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to be seen. To be seen for who we are, what we do, and how our lives impacts those around us. ... There is something special about seeing representation of your heritage in a respectable position and uniform. I’ve had the honor of wearing this uniform to represent my unit, my family name, and my heritage — and I’ve done it proudly."
Barba was an active-duty Soldier for 12 years until 2011, then joined the National Guard in 2022. He says it's an honor to be part of this observance because "there isn’t much Hispanic representation in the military and even less as commissioned officers. It's very special because I hope that I can be someone young Soldiers in the Hispanic community view and say to themselves that they can achieve their goals too and not feel they cannot because of their background."
Barrios joined the Guard in January 1999 and is preparing to deploy next January. This observance, she said, "shows how far America and the Armed Forces have come. We are in an era where we can openly recognize the contributions and achievements that Hispanics and other marginalized groups have made to American society. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate our culture and educate others on the pride we have."
Cabanas joined the Guard in 2010 for the education benefits and experience of serving as a Citizen-Soldier. She deployed to Djibouti, Africa, in 2019. "First and foremost, I'm proud of where I come from, which is Paraguay. I was born there and came here at a young age. I have a phenomenal culture, and I love teaching others about it. It's my identity and what makes me who I am today. I have so much to give the Army because of who I am."
De Los Reyes enlisted in the Guard in 2021 and was commissioned in 2023. "Observance means respect. It can be during a service of celebration or at a ceremony, it is the practice of reflecting who have fallen. The loved ones who have made sacrifices, thinking of them, how much we cherish, and miss them. And give thanks for the fruit they have brought to our lives."
De Oliveira, a public affairs specialist, joined the Guard in 2021 to challenge himself, inspire others and make his parents proud. "Before the Army, while still living in Brazil, I was in a very bad place mentally and even physically. I thought that I’d never go further than what I had achieved so far, but seeing myself wearing it for the first time was in a way the end of a chapter and a start of a new one. I could finally leave that old version of me behind."
Espiritu joined the Guard in 2012 to help with school costs. Highlights of her service include the travel and working with a diverse organization. "Heritage month means I can take this time to educate others about the Peruvian culture. I take pride in being Peruvian American. Not just for this observance but I enjoy telling people my personal experiences and unique traditions."
Gaona is a corrections and detention specialist who joined the Guard in 2019 for patriotism and to follow her sister, a combat medic. She is deployed to the southern border. She says this observance is important to her because her mother immigrated from Mexico and it brings cultural awareness to her family’s roots.
Giraldo joined the Guard in 2017 for "the challenge, opportunities and serving the best nation." His military occupational specialty is cavalry scout, and he says the highlight of his military career is the camaraderie and experiences. "I immigrated to the U.S. as a young teen. I fell in love with this country and the way of life of the American people. Serving to me was not only a show of gratitude but an opportunity to better myself and achieve the American Dream. My achievements today have been greatly influenced by my experience and time in the Army National Guard."
Lopez joined the Arizona National Guard in 2019 for the structure, discipline and challenge. She is assigned to the Professional Education Center. "Hispanic Heritage Month means recognizing those who came before you that helped bring you in the path you are in today. A perfect example would be immigrant parents who migrated to the U.S. for their kids to have more opportunities. Parents who chose to leave their life behind and start a new one for the success of their own kids. A celebration to those who work intense long labor jobs to provide for their families. A celebration to the Hispanics who are currently or already have college degrees, those who are first generation as well. Celebrating your success and accomplishments. Celebrating your culture and roots."
Faulkner, of Bolivian and Salvadorian background, followed her sister into the Guard in 2018. Her favorite part of serving is "seeing the impact that we have on others, whether it’s fellow service members, the community or just anybody that we come across." She calls this observance "a great opportunity for other people to experience our culture and to understand that not all Hispanics come from only one place and to really open people’s eyes to the wide diversity that is out there."
Hernandez, a human resources specialist, joined the Guard in 2013 to travel, meet new people and have a different life purpose. In her most recent deployment, she supported Operation Allies Refuge. “I have never been in an environment like that. Completely different cultures looking for a way to work together and better the situation. It was super interesting." She says this observance encourages the freedom to express and teach her heritage.
Luna joined the Guard in 2015 to "be a part of something bigger than myself." He deployed to Puerto Rico in 2017 for Hurricane Maria relief operations. This observance is "a reminder to never forget where I came from. To always remember the values and traditions instilled on to me by my parents and to always be proud of who I am. I am an American citizen now, and proud of it, but I will never forget the struggle that got me to where I am, and I will never forget my roots."
Marquez, an Iowa Guardsman assigned to the Professional Education Center, has served since 2014. A light-wheel vehicle mechanic, he deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom. "Being born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico, Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me. I’m the first generation being raised in the United States, so most of my family is still living in Mexico. Serving a country that recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month is very uplifting. Being able to celebrate my culture in a country that’s been nothing but great to me and my family is truly a blessing."
Perez has served in the Guard for 14 years, including a 2012-13 deployment to Djibouti. She joined right after high school to pay for college, then decided to make a career of it. "This observance means/proves to me that the National Guard really does appreciate all their different backgrounds serving in their ranks. I am honored to have been selected for this observance."
Perez-Velasquez joined the Guard in 2017. Born in Guatemala, her military occupational specialty is a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear noncommissioned officer. She deployed to the southwest border this summer. Hispanic Heritage Month "means freedom just like the Fourth of July is celebrated. It is our Hispanic freedom from other countries."
Pineda-Ponce, a supply specialist, joined the Guard in 2014 and considers state activations a highlight of her service. She is deployed to the southern border. This month's observance, she says, is “a time to remember my (Mexican) roots … celebrate our traditions, our food, and to teach others about them, too."
Prestenbach joined the Guard in 2008 and says her favorite part of serving is helping other Soldiers. "I think it’s important to recognize the diversity in our ranks. Diversity in any organization makes it stronger. We are all Soldiers that wear the same uniform, but we are also the people with cultural differences and that is OK. We still work together to get the mission done."
Ramirez-Rodriguez, a state public affairs officer, joined the Guard in 1999. Serving as the State Partnership Program coordinator between Arkansas and Guatemala has been the highlight of her military career. She says this month's observance is a "celebration and acknowledgement of the part Hispanics play on driving prosperity, power and progress in America. I am a proud Puerto Rican woman, mother and Soldier. I want all Latinos out there to know that they are the members that future generations use to light their path. So, make it count!"
Gonzales has served in the Guard since 2019, including a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2020-21. A recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, he says the Guard helped him lift his family out of poverty and buy his parents their home. "As a first-generation Mexican-American from an immigrant family, I have a unique position where I can practice and learn about the different cultures that I am a part of. Learning about my Mexican heritage such as holidays, foods and culture from my parents, community groups and friends has a special place in my heart."
Richardson was in search of stability when she joined the Guard in 2008. A highlight of her service is the friends, allies and supporters in the military. She says this observance means "that my family is recognized. I’m two generations removed from my family born in Venezuela, but knowing all that they’ve done to eventually get to this country reminds me that through it all I can keep going because they did. They picked up and moved to a different country and then the next generation did the same, so it’s my job to keep striving for greater and having my people acknowledged as more than just background characters is a proud moment."
Rivera has served in the Guard for 12 years, including a current deployment to Colombia. Hispanic Heritage Month "makes me proud to have my Latino background but still be able to call myself an American Soldier. It makes me think of all my Latino/Hispanic friends serving for the U.S. Army all over the world and hope they are representing us with high standards."
Saucedo, an aerospace medical technician, joined the Guard in 2019 and is deployed to Saudi Arabia. "This observance to me means the chance to show people that there are many cultures within the United States and having the opportunity to show the diversity within this country gives people the chance to open their minds to other people, places and cultures and learn from them to become better people."
Suarez joined the Guard 10 years ago to be a part of something bigger than herself and to further her education. Hispanic Heritage Month "makes me feel appreciated and makes me feel like I’m a part of something."
Zapata joined the Guard in 1988 for the adventure, travel and challenge. A Virgin Islands National Guardsman now assigned to the Professional Education Center, he has deployed for the Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield operations. "I’m proud of my Hispanic heritage and happy that we are recognized for our contributions. ... There was Hispanic presence in North America for more than 200 years before the 13 colonies declared independence from England. Hispanics have contributed to building the U.S. in medicine, engineering, business, education, entertainment, civil rights, politics, sports, to name a few. Additionally, we have served this country in the armed forces throughout history. As an Hispanic leader in the military, I take great pride in our achievements and I hope to be an example to the current new and future generations."
Zarco, a Mexican American, says he enlisted in 2013 for the benefits and ended up loving it. The highlight of his service was helping to fly in food, water and Red Cross volunteers to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence in 2018. Hispanic Heritage Month "is important because it highlights the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Hispanic service members past and present. It helps inspire and encourage future Hispanics to consider enlisting/commissioning."