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Araiza, a Guardsman since 2021, is the first in her family to join the military. "I love how some people in the U.S. love to learn about our community, heritage, culture and language. I also enjoy how we are able to show how proud we are of being Hispanic."
Baslzarini is a wheeled vehicle mechanic who has served since 2001. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Baslzarini says of this month's observance: "I’m just happy to see recognition of Hispanics in the military."
Bizardi has served for more than four years, including a deployment to Niger, Africa. He says about this month's observance: "It's just nice to see recognition going around for different ethnicities. Diversity is good and it’s good to see people being able or have a chance to be recognized and express their backgrounds and reasoning for joining our military."
Bravo joined the Guard in 2015 to better himself. A truck driver, he says meeting people from different backgrounds is his favorite part of serving in the Guard. Bravo says this month's observance "highlights the Hispanic culture to others in our formation, because too many have not been exposed to broader aspects of the American experience."
Castro has served more than 10 years, including deployments to the Middle East in 2018-19 and 2023-24. HIs parents immigrated from Mexico in the 1970s. "I love that it’s a brief moment out of the year where Hispanics get to highlight our importance to this country and our contributions to the success of the country through our military, politics, science, medicine, sports, education and arts. The USA would not be what it is today without the contributions and success of the Hispanic community and culture that we provide, in my opinion."
Claros, a triplet, joined the Guard in 1998 to help pay for college. His two brothers are retired National Guard majors. Claros deployed to Iraq in 2004-05, to Afghanistan in 2009-10, to Korea in 2013-15 and to the Middle East in 2016. "This observance means that the Hispanic and Latino Soldiers can teach their units a little more about their countries' cultures."
Flores joined in 2009 to improve his life, serve his country and community and be a part of something bigger than himself. He deployed to Cuba in 2021. "Hispanic Heritage Month to me means honoring those Hispanic professionals who came before me and essentially laid down the map in order for me to be able to serve today in this uniform. It’s the same with all the other races and backgrounds. Everyone had a role to play and essentially build this organization. It also means to celebrate. Celebrate the differences and what our culture brings to the table."
Fuentes, a Guardsman since 2018, enjoys weapons qualification and section time with his peers. A heavy equipment operator, he says the observance of the Hispanic Heritage Month "means a lot to me in regard to our Hispanic history surrounding our culture and continued learning about where our ancestors came from."
Gonzalez, the first in his family to join the military, has served for more than 15 years. He deployed to Jordan in 2016-17. He considers this observance "a brief moment to celebrate the diverse background of the NYARNG and what it means to our community to be well represented in this organization that touches so many lives."
Gudiel has served since 2016 and is a full-time Guard member. A native of Guatemala, she became a U.S. citizen in 2017. "Representation is important — we come from different walks of life and bring different experiences. That makes us stronger, more cohesive and unified in the long run. This is a month to empower the Latino community and to really amplify our identities. For example, my two younger cousins just enlisted in the D.C. National Guard—and I aspire for them to achieve goals greater than mine. This is a month to actively engage and empower the people behind you and realize your milestones aren’t just for you.”
Hale joined the Guard in 2021, inspired by other family members in the military. A material management specialist, he considers the Guard a family and loves the diversity of the organization. "Growing up with everybody in my household being Spanish, you know, we always celebrate everything together. There were always big gatherings that involved food. It taught me very early that family is always important and celebrating together and celebrating our heritage was important."
Hernandez has served since 2002, inspired by her enlisted older brother. She loves seeing Soldiers she recruits achieve great things. Hernandez recently participated in a State Partnership Program mission in Poland. "Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor our cultures, histories and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. It’s an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the rich traditions and achievements that we have made as a group."
Lauer served from 1996-2002 and returned in 2013 "because I missed the camaraderie and the sense of purpose that comes with being part of the military." Her son is in the Air Force and her father and husband served in the military. "As a Puerto Rican woman in the military, Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful opportunity for me to connect with the vibrant legacy of my ancestors. By embracing my roots, I contribute to a more inclusive and diverse force, driving positive changes and progress. It’s a reminder that my background and experience bring value to the table and that diversity strengthens our military and our nation as a whole. It is a time to celebrate where I come from, and also the heritage that empowers me to serve with pride and purpose."
Llanes, a loadmaster, has served since 2006. "It is fulfilling to participate in a longstanding tradition of a flying squadron while incorporating and sharing my Hispanic pride."
Lopez Mojica, a financial management analyst, joined the Guard in 2017 for the college benefits and job opportunities. "To me, Hispanic Heritage is a great opportunity for people to learn and get to know various aspects of different Latin cultures. In my case, I’m from Puerto Rico, and our island is rich in history, known for great local foods, art, music and friendly people."
Martinez, an automatic logistics specialist, joined a year ago and loves training. Hispanic Heritage Month, she says, means "recognizing that having more people like me in the organization is a good thing and the diversity of the Soldiers making up our unit should be celebrated."
Martinez, a military intelligence analyst, has served since 2021. The highlight, she says, are the endless opportunities. "This observance is about more than just highlighting someone's heritage, it's about recognizing how our backgrounds contribute to shaping who we are. While being Latina is part of my identity, I believe it's my mindset, actions, and values that truly define who I am. My culture has certainly influenced my outlook, but it’s the personal experiences, like watching my family persevere through hardship, that have helped me grow into the person I am today. Ultimately, it’s our mindset that drives us, regardless of our race, and that’s something I strive to embody every day."
McCrink, an all-source intelligence analyst, has served for more than five years. "My dad’s side of the family is from Cuba, and learning about my heritage over the years has been incredibly meaningful. My great-grandparents, who recently passed away, immigrated from Cuba and spoke very little English. Despite that, they worked hard to build a better future for their children and future generations, giving me the opportunities I have today. This month, I’m reflecting on their memory and the importance of our heritage."
Melendez joined in 2022 and her military occupational specialty is truck driver. She loves photography and meeting different people from all backgrounds. Melendez says this observance is a "recognition that our backgrounds are making a better, more inclusive Army."
Navarro joined in 2020 to set an example for other family members. "My favorite part of serving has been working with people from all different walks of life and using their unique perspective to accomplish any task given to our unit as one entity. ... This observance highlights the sacrifices that many Hispanics have made for their families for the next generation to do better than the previous. Observing this month reminds us of this sacrifice and continues to motivate me to keep excelling."
Negron began his Guard service in Puerto Rico in 2006 and rejoined for the third time about four years ago. He deployed to Jordan in 2020-2021. "Latinos and Latinas have been serving this country dutifully ever since the Spanish-American War. I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Connecticut. So, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the best of both worlds."
Pantoja, a weather forecaster, joined the Guard in 2019. The highlight of his service was basic training. "Hispanic Heritage Month brings awareness to the diversity and greatness of the United States. It celebrates the unique and vibrant cultures of Hispanic and Latino communities, highlighting how their histories and traditions enrich the nation’s cultural fabric. This month-long observance recognizes the importance of appreciating the diverse backgrounds that collectively strengthen and define the United States."
Peña, a Guardsman since 2009, is a flight engineer evaluator. He recently participated in a State Partnership Program exchange in Guatemala. "This observance is a reminder of the meaningful connections and impact we create through our service. For me, it’s about reflecting on the experiences, like the mission in Guatemala, where we not only shared knowledge but also embraced innovation to make a lasting difference. It’s a moment to appreciate the dedication to improving our processes and supporting our global partners. Ultimately, it reinforces my commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do."
Ramos has served since 2013 and is a full-time Guard member and family law attorney. She says being in the Guard has made her "more resilient as an individual and as a leader." This observance makes her feel represented "not only as a woman but as a Hispanic woman. I take pride being both and contributing my part in the military. Representation is important — I’m not going to be here forever and it’s our responsibility to ensure continuity. The mission we do and the skills we have are very important to impart in those coming behind us. It’s bigger than just one month; there’s real influence that needs to be imparted 365 days a year from the lowest level to the highest tier.”
Rios joined the military in 1985 and the Guard in 2004. "Originally paying a debt to this nation for giving my family shelter after escaping from Cuba’s tyrannical communist regime, and then second enlistment for what I witness in Ground Zero on 9/11." A loadmaster instructor/evaluator, he has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. He says this observance "highlights the contribution of Hispanics in defense of our great nation."
Rodriguez, a meteorological technician, joined the Guard in 2019 "to challenge myself and set goals and opportunities that only I could find in the military." She says Hispanic Heritage Month "summarizes who I am and my contribution as a Guard member."
Rosa began his Guard service in 2019 "for a better quality of life for my family and professional growth." He says Hispanic Heritage Month "is essential to recognize what we Hispanics do in our area of work, the tasks we perform and how we contribute to the nation by respecting constitutional principles and fundamental rights."
Rosa Gutierrez joined the Guard in 2019 for career opportunities and personal development. Meeting and helping people from all over the world is her favorite part of serving. She considers Hispanic Heritage Month "a moment to celebrate, embrace, educate and share who I am and where I am from." She said she is very proud of her community and all the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to support the United States.
Vilela, a native of Peru, joined the Guard in 2019 to become a U.S. citizen more quickly. He deployed to Washington for the presidential inauguration in 2021. "My favorite part of serving has been getting to be able to change lives. Every time I go in the classroom and teach presentations to the students, especially the Hispanic ones, I am able to see some lost eyes from seniors mostly who don’t know what they are going to do after high school. Some of the students can see the struggles their parents go through, so they don’t want to have to go through the same struggles. I connect with them because I was once in their shoes."