Army Recognizes Latino Soldiers

FT KNOX, KY - In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the U.S. Army along with LULAC will recognize the contributions of Hispanic soldiers, celebrate the traditions of the Hispanic community and help develop the nation’s next generation of Hispanic leaders.

“Thank you to all our councils that have participated in these important events with the U.S. Army,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. She attended such an event in San Antonio. Local Hero awards were presented to local servicemen and women. LULAC Council # 2 served as the sponsoring council.

This month, the Army is partnering with LULAC to support local and national programs that reflect upon the achievements of Hispanics and foster their continued success. These partnerships are part of Army’s ongoing efforts to ensure the Hispanic community is aware of the vast educational and career options and opportunities available through the Army.

“On Tuesday, the U.S. Army and LULAC celebration was an outstanding display of appreciation to our Hispanic soldiers that are in harm's way every day. I was glad to be part of it,” said Retired Capt. Jaime Pacheco.

The Army is working with local LULAC Councils to co-host additional Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix and San Diego. The informative and inspiring events will bring together local community leaders, LULAC representatives and Army officials to recognize soldiers of Hispanic descent for their dedication to our nation’s defense. These soldiers also represent the diverse pathways and career options available to serve through the Army, both through officership or enlistment. Local Hispanic business and civic leaders also will be recognized for their contributions to their respective communities.

The Hispanic Heritage Month events create local alliances between Army and LULAC as an extension of the two organizations’ national partnership. Army was a key sponsor of LULAC’s 81st Annual Convention and Exposition in July and will extend its work with LULAC to develop future leaders through its continued support of our LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) and the Washington Youth Leadership Seminar (WYLS).

About the United States Army Accessions Command (USAAC)
The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Monroe, Va.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 880 LULAC councils nationwide.