Photo By Joseph Siemandel | Spc. Ana Deatherage, Personal Specialist with the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team,...... read more read more
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For Hispanic American service members, Hispanic Heritage month is a chance to honor their heritage and learn about the contributions to the history of our nation.
“I think this observation is a testament to what makes America great and the American dream,” said Capt. Luis Torres, commander of the 1041st Transportation Company and Liaison officer with the Homeland Response Force. “We are a melting pot of peoples who may have been born somewhere else but grew up here and love the freedom and opportunities afforded that we aspire to serve and give back.”
Since 1988, September 15th to October 15th is known as Hispanic Heritage month, a chance to recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Established as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lynden B. Johnson in 1968, it was expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the “Cry of Dolores,” which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted in independence for the New Spain Colony, today known as the nations of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua.
More than 100 Hispanic Heritage service members fought during the Revolutionary War. More than 20,000 Hispanic Soldiers fought on both sides of the Civil War. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor and as of July 2021, nearly 18 percent of the U.S. military were of Latino or Hispanic heritage.
“This observance brings honor to those who have served before us. To my Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters in arms who have sacrificed their sweat, blood, tears and time to pave the way for the rest of us, thank you,” said Spc. Ana Deatherage, a personnel specialist with 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment. “Thank you to our senior leaders who take the opportunity to teach us and let us know that they want us to succeed. You are truly appreciated.”
Deatherage joined the National Guard in July 2017 looking for a better life and opportunity for her son, while helping create a pathway for her parents to become U.S. citizens. Since joining she has worked in financial management and human resources, began a career as an Active Guard member and had the opportunity to deploy to Kuwait and Jordan.
“When I deployed to Kuwait, I had the opportunity to go on a mission to Jordan. Being able to travel from country to country on the opposite side of the world, going places that you otherwise would never get to go is a great experience,” said Deatherage.
Another Mexican American, Sgt. 1st Class Mark Sierra also spent time in Jordan with 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment.
“My favorite part has been the camaraderie that I’ve developed with other men and women. It’s not always fun, but when you ‘embrace the suck’ together, you develop a bond like no other,” said Sierra.
Sierra believes the Army has opened so many doors for him to having a better life.
“I grew up around gangs and drugs, so I joined to get away from all that stuff. My dad was in the Mexican Army and was very strict,” said Sierra. “He kept me away from all of that, but I didn’t want to continue to be around that stuff.”
Torres also wanted a better life for himself and his family and saw the countless doors that opened because of service.
“I was born in Michoacan, Mexico. My parents migrated to the US and worked in agriculture. As a son of migrant workers, I grew up picking cherries, apples, pears and working in the orchards and I think I always knew I wanted more. I wanted adventure and realized that the Army would be the gateway to those things,” said Torres, who recently celebrated his 20th year in service. “As I have gotten older, I realized that service for me is also an extension of the pride I feel being a son of migrant workers and fills me with pride and joy to be able to serve a country that has given my family so much. The Army has given me a home and allowed me to care for and provide my family with a great quality of life.”
Like Torres, SFC Cesar Vasquez, a supply specialist with the 205th Training Regiment, has deployed to both theaters of operation in the Middle East and recently returned home from a deployment to Ukraine, where he helped train the Ukrainian military. While his three deployments mean a lot to him, it is his work in the state responding to emergencies that are most memorable.
“My unit was activated to respond to state emergencies that included fires and flooding. Although I was not able to be on the front lines to see the action, I was behind the scenes providing logistics support to my team to complete the mission. That was such a rewarding feeling,” said Vasquez.
A proud Salvadoran-American, Vasquez was the first U.S born member of his family to proudly serve in the U.S Army.
“I am proud of where my parents are from and the importance of our culture they have instilled in me,” said Vasquez. “Being recognized not only brings me honor for my service to duty, but I know I am making my family, those that served before me, and those who will serve after me proud to be Salvadoran-American serving in the U.S military.”
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2022 18:53 |
| Story ID: | 429256 |
| Location: | CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 184 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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