Photo By Sgt. Joseph Black | FORT HOOD, Texas-Army Reserve Capt. Noel Casiano, an observer, controller, trainer...... read more read more
“It’s a time of reflection,” said Casiano. “A time for us to think about where we came from and think of ways we can give back to the world’s greatest democratic government.”
Soldiers of the 2-348th TSR frequently celebrate their heritage by holding potluck lunches in the office consisting of both American and Puerto Rican cuisine. Typical dishes include steak, corned beef served over cooked plantains, rice, beans, and beefsteak with onions.
Traditional food and language allows Amy Pollack, a store associate with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, to share her Puerto Rican ancestry with her kids and with those around her. At home, Pollack enjoys meals with her children that includes dishes like Pernil —Puerto Rican pork shoulder — and Pastele — pork folded into masa then wrapped and boiled in banana leaves.
“I want my kids to be proud to be Puerto Rican and know where they come from,” said Pollack.
Pollack also enjoys speaking with customers in Spanish, her native language, as they enter the North Fort Hood Shoppette.
“I love speaking Spanish to the customers and listening to how they respond,” said Pollack. “They are normally pretty close. Sometimes, I can hear people preparing to speak in Spanish while waiting in line to check out.”
Pollack and Casiano see the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the role it plays in today’s society.
“It is very important that we become more knowledgeable of our cultures,” said Casiano. “Hispanics have helped in many aspects of our country. We are not looking for any awards or special treatment; we would just like the world to get to know us.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15. The theme this year is “Shaping the Bright Future of America.” More information can be located at hispanicheritagemonth.org.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2017 15:33 |
| Story ID: | 248731 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldiers and civilians celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, by SGT Joseph Black, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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