FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- With Soldiers coming from all walks of life, the diversity of the U.S. Army is viewed by many as one of its greatest strengths, and Fort Rucker celebrates that diversity as it observes National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
The installation will kick off the month-long observance Sept. 15 with an event at the post exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a bit of food, dancing and cultural enlightenment, according to Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Castillo, 110th Aviation Brigade equal opportunity adviser.
"The kickoff will have some food samplings, music and some fun facts of static displays for people to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month -- it should be a good time," he said. "We try to do our best as EOAs in the military to bring the community together and show that we're all one team. And even though we might have different goals, in the end we all just want to be happy and together we can make it better."
During the kickoff event people can learn a little bit about Hispanic culture while sampling foods provided by volunteers to get a taste of some of the culture that makes up the Army, and although the kickoff event will start the observance month, it's not the only event people can take part in.
The Center Library will host a special reading Sept. 29 from 10-11 a.m. where equal opportunity advisers will read a selection of books that were either written by Hispanic authors or about Hispanic culture, said Castillo. In addition to the reading, there will also be arts and crafts that children will be able to take part in.
Sept. 30, Fort Rucker will host the Hispanic Heritage Month 10k run and observance from 8-10 a.m. at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue where people can get a bit of fitness in while learning about Hispanic culture.
This year's observance run will be more than just a run, though, said Castillo. The run will also feature a salsa making competition where people can compete to take home the titles for best salsa, hottest salsa and more.
People don't have to purchase any ingredients for the competition, which will be provided by the EO program.
"Anyone who wants to participate should just contact us and we'll provide the ingredients," said the EOA. "This will be a great event for people to come, enjoy some music and salsa and have a good time, and hopefully people will learn a little bit about Hispanic Heritage Month."
The importance of the observance month is meant to bring people together and show that it's the differences that people have that make the Army stronger, said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Davis, 1st Avn. Bde. EOA.
"It's important that we all celebrate each other and embrace our differences," he said. "The more I know about, then the more I understand, and that works both ways. I think the world could use a little more of that."
For more information, call 255-2669, 255-2363 or 255-9950.
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