Photo By Senior Airman Kaitlyn Preston | Staff Sgt. Jose Rangel Ramirez Jr., 36th Force Support Squadron resource advisor...... read more read more
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Every year the U.S. Armed Forces celebrate Hispanic American culture and influence during Hispanic Heritage Month at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2022.
Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced as an official observance in 1968 as a week-long celebration. Later, in 1988, it was expanded to a 30-day recognition. This observance celebrates the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.
“It is important to be proud of your heritage, embrace your roots, and celebrate the history that past ancestors have accomplished to make this country great.” said Staff Sgt. Jose Rangel Ramirez Jr., 36th Force Support Squadron resource advisor noncommissioned officer in charge.
Over 60 million Americans identify as Hispanic, making up about 19% of the country’s population. According to the Department of Defense, Hispanic Americans make up about 16% of active duty military personnel.
Staff Sgt. Rangel was born and raised in Texas, where he lived with his parents and five siblings. They moved around the state throughout his childhood until his father was able to find a job in Woden, Texas. This is where Rangel calls home.
Every year, Rangel’s father would take him and his younger brother down to Mexico to visit their family. He considers Mexico his second home. It was there that his other siblings and his parents had lived, where his extended family always welcomed him so warmly and where he learned so many of his values.
“My culture taught me to never give up,” Rangel said. “And to give my all in everything I do. It taught me to respect others, help those around me and appreciate what I have.”
Rangel is services by trade, but has taken on a new role since his arrival to Guam. At Andersen AFB, he works in resource management where he works with the 36th Comptroller Squadron and the 36th Contracting Squadron to handle and distribute over $200 thousand in funding for the 36 FSS.
“Staff Sgt. Rangel is very personable,“ said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Berry, 36 FSS community flight superintendent. “He is knowledgeable, helpful and involved.“
Berry went on to describe Rangel’s work within the community, from volunteering with local soccer teams to cleaning up around the villages. He discussed Rangel’s determination, patience and his consideration of others.
“He doesn’t listen to respond,” Berry said. “He listens to understand. He makes the people around him feel like he cares.”
A lot of these characteristics Rangel attributed to his family and heritage in Mexico. Whether they were in the city or the more rural areas of Mexico, Rangel felt respected and welcomed. He said that this mentality is something he continues to carry with him.
The military observes many cultural heritage celebrations throughout the year. Acknowledging and recognizing the wide variety of cultures that make up our country and our military promotes a strong, united force.
“I feel proud, not only for my culture, but everyone's culture, because it's a sign that we, the military as a whole, have each other's support,” Rangel said.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2022 19:04 |
| Story ID: | 430221 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Celebrating family, heritage, unity with SSgt Rangel, by SrA Kaitlyn Preston, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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