FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- Soldiers, leadership, families and dignitaries from the Sierra Vista community attended a National Hispanic Heritage Month observance hosted by the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion on Sept. 20 at Murr Community Center.
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and honors Hispanic Americans. Every year, the Army honors all Americans of Hispanic descent and acknowledges their past and ongoing contributions to the organization.
“Today, more than 139,000 Hispanic Americans serve in the total force,” said Pfc. Anthony Laues from Charlie Company, 309th MI Bn., reading from the proclamation signed by Maj. Gen. Anthony Hale, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence & Fort Huachuca. “Hispanic Soldiers make up 16 percent of the Army.”
He said a total of 46 Hispanic Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor over the years.
“Hispanic Soldiers are an integral part of our fighting force, workforce and communities,” Laues reads. “From the American Revolution until today, Hispanic Americans have fought bravely for our nation.”
The observance highlighted many Hispanic Americans’ contributions.
“This year’s theme is ‘Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,’” said Staff Sgt. Jay Ramirez, action officer for the observance and operations NCO from 309th MI Bn.
In keeping with the theme, a filmed presentation by service members from the 309th MI Bn. shared how their Hispanic heritage impacts them as Soldiers.
Ramirez and Laues also appear in the film.
“I joined the Army in 2015,” Ramirez explains. “Some advice I would give to young Hispanic Americans is to come together and give back and be the person you have always seen throughout your life.”
As an NCO, the positive influence of his family and friends is something he can pass on to his Soldiers, he said.
“Know your legacy” is Laues advice to young Hispanic Americans. “Know your history, the importance of where you stand right now, and how you can impact your future.”
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.
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