FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 8, 2011) -- The Fort Rucker Post Exchange and the Military Equal Opportunity Office host events in September and October in observance of national Hispanic Heritage Month.
Recognizing Hispanic heritage is important for the Army, explained Sgt. 1st Class Paula Bair, 1st Aviation Brigade equal opportunity adviser.
"These events educate civilians, Soldiers and Family members on different backgrounds and ethnic groups within our organization. Hispanic people are a large ethnic group within the Army, and a large part of Army culture," she said.
The kickoff event at the Post exchange will be a three day event complete with Hispanic food, dancing and activities, said Susie Antonello, exchange visual marketing supervisor. The three day event will be a kick-off Sept. 16, children's fiesta Sept. 17 and the exhibition finale on Sept. 23.
"There will be plenty of food, traditional and contemporary dancing, amazing cultural displays, infectious music and a wide variety of excitement for guests to come out and experience," said Christina Caldwell, visual merchandiser for the PX.
The highlight of the event is always the food from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela and the Caribbean Islands, said Antonello. She hopes every guest will get to sample these cuisines for free and maybe learn about a restaurant they might have been nervous about trying.
"The food is definitely an experience. You can try food from many different countries," she said.
After the kickoff, the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility and EO will host a gate-to-gate run Oct. 1. This annual run has always had a high turnout, explained Bair, and is a Family event as well as a challenge for runners.
"It's definitely about endurance at over 4.1 miles. Start training now," said Bair.
Additionally, EO will host an all-ages soccer tournament Oct. 8 and a Hispanic themed luncheon at both Fort Rucker dining facilities on Oct. 12. The entire community is invited to attend these events for Family-friendly fun, said Bair.
"These [events] are a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the Hispanic culture in a fun and relaxing environment. It is also helps all of us embrace the diversity of our community," Antonello said.
For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month events, call 255-9878 or contact your EO representative.
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