Photo By Capt. Christina Winters | Chief Warrant Officer 3 Diana Robles, from Puebla, Mexico, poses for a portrait in...... read more read more
FORT KNOX, Ky. – The 84th Training Command honors and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Americans have a long-intertwined history with the U.S. military and never hesitated to answer the nation’s call in support of the American ideals of freedom and democracy.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, with the anniversary of Independence Day for the following countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
This month also recognizes the Independence Days of Mexico and Chile on Sept. 16 and Sept 18 respectively. Throughout Spain and Latin America, Columbus Day is celebrated as “Hispanity Day.”
Many Hispanic Americans have made great sacrifices in service to the U.S. military, like Capt. Maximiliano Luna, who served with the 1st Volunteer Cavalry with Col. Theodore Roosevelt and the “The Rough Riders” during the Spanish-American War. Luna later became a member of Congress.
Arizona National Guard's 158th Infantry Regiment, who fought in the Bicol Campaign in the Pacific theater during World War II, was comprised mostly of Hispanic Americans and gained the nickname “Bushmasters” for their fierce jungle warfare tenacity.
Their reputation gained the attention of Gen. Douglas MacArthur who described them as, "One of the greatest fighting combat teams ever deployed for battle."
Hispanic Americans have fought and died in every American campaign, served in all branches of government, added to the diversity of the U.S. military and are vital to the success of its defense.
The 84th’s very own Chief Warrant Officer 3 Diana Robles is no stranger to pursing the American dream through service and sacrifice.
“I was born in Puebla, Mexico, my family migrated to the United States for a better quality of life,” said Robles. ”I joined the Army in 1999 and became a U.S. citizen in 2004.”
Robles commitment to the Army Reserve has not diminished her love for her cultural heritage, but enhanced it.
“Yes, I celebrate my heritage not only in September but every day and that makes me proud to serve,” said Robles. “Besides, I had a mother who could have been a drill sergeant and ran a stern household, so the Army life was a smooth transition.”
Robles’ experience in the Army Reserve and her passion for taking care of Soldiers is what led her to pursue a career in human resources.
“I have an immense passion for taking care of Soldiers,” said Robles. “We impact their lives daily as HR professionals and our primary focus is taking care of Soldiers’ administrative requirements, so they can concentrate on their careers.”
The contributions of Hispanic Americans are vast and the 84th TC’s commitment to readiness is enhanced by the diversity of talent within the organization.
With a proud and rich heritage, a history of commitment to our nation’s values, and a strong desire to serve, Hispanic Americans like Robles continue to pave the way for future generations to serve.
“I am the first generation ‘Latinx’ to serve in the Army,” said Robles. ”I want to leave a legacy for future generations that model selfless service and embrace diversity which empowers a stronger Army Community.”
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2021 17:03 |
| Story ID: | 405337 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 544 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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