35th ADA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Through Food and Mentorship

By U.S. Army Capt. William L. Leasure 35th ADA Public AffairsOctober 9, 2015

35th ADA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Through Food and Mentorship
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 35th ADA Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal serves a piece of cake from the tip of a sword to 6-52 ADA Operation NCO Master Sgt. Samuel Dowling at Suwon Air Base, Oct. 8, 2015. Villarreal served as the guest speaker at 6-52 ADA's Hispanic Her... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
35th ADA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Through Food and Mentorship
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 35th ADA Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal speaks to the audience at the Iron Horse Dining Facility at Suwon Air Base, Korea during 6-52 ADA's Hispanic Heritage luncheon, Oct. 8, 2015. Villarreal discussed the importance of overcoming advers... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
35th ADA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Through Food and Mentorship
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pfc. Luisa Garcia, a food service specialist with HHB, 6-52 ADA cuts the ceremonial cake with 35th ADA Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal at Suwon Air Base, Oct. 8, 2015. Garcia was selected to cut the cake, by tradition, as the youngest Sold... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

As Soldiers lined up for lunch at the Iron Horse Dining Facility at Suwon Air Base, Korea, the typical lunch fare was noticeably different. Gone were the chicken parmigiana and pork chops and in their place were festive trays of enchiladas, tacos and tortilla chips. Today, 6-52 Air Defense Artillery battalion celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and one of 35th ADA Brigade's senior leaders took center stage to address the occasion.

Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal is a second-generation Hispanic American with 26 years of service in the U.S. Army.

Villarreal has served on three combat tours overseas and has been awarded multiple awards for his distinguished service. But his ascent to becoming a Command Sgt. Maj. was not easy.

"My mother and father were migrant farmers and I spent a lot of time working in the fields," Villarreal said. "Working outside in the elements instilled within me a strong work ethic, it made me a ready and resilient leader and these lessons have served me well in my military career."

While Villarreal admits his own path to success was a product of hard work, he recounted that his wife's path in life has inspired him.

"My wife, Guadalupe, and I met in Mexico when she was just 18. She didn't speak any English but left Mexico to embark on this journey with me," Villarreal said. "Since then, she has earned her associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees and has become a successful businesswoman and for me, she is my inspiration, as my wife and as a Hispanic American."

The Brigade Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Johannes Castro also attended the luncheon and reflected on the observance by the brigade.

"Hispanic Soldiers across the formation, continue a legacy of professionalism, selfless service, dignity, and respect. This dedication inspires not only the current generation of Soldiers but many future generations to come," Castro said.

Castro is of Ecuadorian descent and had additional perspective to add regarding the event.

"As a Soldier of Hispanic Heritage, I am keenly aware that America's diversity is a source of strength. Hispanic Americans have never hesitated to defend and serve our Nation in many ways to include a proud tradition of military service. A tradition which extends to many generations of my family," he said.

The brigade equal opportunity office sponsors events like today's luncheon. EO sponsored events expose Soldiers to the unique cultures that make up the US Army's diverse background.

Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor, Sgt. 1st Class Lionel Escoffery attended today's luncheon and expressed his sentiments regarding the service of Hispanic Americans in uniform.

"Hispanic American Soldiers have served our nation and Army with high esteem and pride," Escoffery said. "Looking at our history of Medal of Honor winners who are Hispanic, (the U.S.) has over 60, forty of these heroes served in the Army. As a brigade EOA and a leader, I am proud to lead and serve with such a diverse group of Soldier."

During the ceremony, a Soldier was selected to participate in the ceremonial cake cutting with Villarreal.

Deemed the youngest Soldier in the room, Pfc. Luisa Garcia, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 6-52 ADA, lowered a sword into the Hispanic Heritage cake officially bringing the ceremony to a close.

Garcia, also a Hispanic American, shared her feelings on participating in the ceremony.

"I'm glad Hispanic Americans are being recognized by my unit," Garcia said. "It makes me proud to know that our Army has this observance to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans. Events like this make me realize just how far Hispanic Americans have come."