ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Nov. 20, 2014) -- Army Contracting Command-Rock Island's senior enlisted contracting advisor gave the closing remarks at the Rock Island Arsenal Garrison's Hispanic Heritage Month Observance ceremony, held in Heritage Hall Oct. 23.
Master Sgt. Sol Nevarezberrios was born in Puerto Rico and enlisted in 1998 as a financial management technician. Nevarezberrios was assigned to ACC-RI in 2013 and was recently selected for promotion to sergeant major.
Nevarezberrios said having a strong family history in the U.S. military and knowing about their contributions makes her especially proud be a Hispanic in the military. Five uncles on her maternal side were drafted into the Army as part of the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This unit, nicknamed the Borinqueneers, participated in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 65th Infantry was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.
"I remember my grandfather's pride when he talked about them and the stories recounted of his sons' service and how proud he was of them," said Nevarezberrios. "Deep inside, I longed for my grandfather to one day see me in that same light, particularly how he saw my favorite uncle, 'Tio' Enrique Berrios, Jr."
Nevarezberrios noted that this October marked 62 years since her uncle Tio fought during the Korean War. He earned a Bronze Star for his service during the war and went on to serve for more than 20 years, retiring as a master sergeant.
"A year and a half ago, I deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, as a contracting officer under the U.S. Army Contracting Command," said Nevarezberrios. "It was not only professionally fulfilling to be able to work as a contracting officer, it was also very personally rewarding because during that time, I was able to fulfill things that my uncle had achieved. I achieved the rank of master sergeant. I was also recognized with a Bronze Star and I was in a combat zone, just like he was. I know that even though they are not here today, both he and my grandfather would be proud."
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