Photo By Arsenio R. Cortez Jr. | Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of Naval Medical Forces Pacific and director of...... read more read more
Military and civilian personnel gathered at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), with many more joining via live stream, to celebrate the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Observance, Sep. 10.
The event, themed "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," highlighted the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Navy and the Nation, and featured keynote speaker Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of Naval Medical Forces Pacific and director of Defense Health Network Pacific Rim, who shared how his heritage shaped his Naval career and leadership in Navy Medicine.
Valdes, a Puerto Rico and Miami native of Cuban descent, began by reflecting on the diversity of Hispanic experiences in the United States, which now accounts for 20 percent of the population.
"Hispanicity in our country is represented by a diverse human tapestry resulting from a variety of historical events, migrations, and individual choices," Valdes said.
Despite this diversity, Valdes emphasized three core values that bind Hispanic culture—family, faith, and language—values that deeply influenced his life and leadership.
Born to Cuban immigrants who fled the Castro regime, Valdes shared the story of his family’s migration to the U.S. His parents left Cuba in 1965 with nothing but what they could carry in a suitcase. They rebuilt their lives in Puerto Rico, aided by the generosity of fellow Cuban exiles and the welcoming Puerto Rican people. Valdes explained how his parents’ resilience and success as small business owners instilled in him a sense of humility and gratitude for the opportunities the American society has provided.
Reflecting on this experience, Valdes noted how it shaped his attitude toward opportunity and risk.
“When offered an opportunity, take it; put in the effort, make it; when you reap the rewards, share it,” he said.
Valdes emphasized that this lesson has guided him throughout his military career and leadership roles. He also noted that as a leader, it is critical to "take risks on those willing to do those three things," reinforcing the importance of investing in people who demonstrate hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to seize opportunities.
Valdes credited his family for instilling a strong sense of responsibility, both to oneself and to the broader community.
“It was within this familial nucleus where my sisters and I learned an essential value: your life is not just about you. This is a very counter-cultural aspect of the Hispanic experience relative to the individualist ethos of American society,” he said.
Valdes explained that, in Hispanic culture, individual success is deeply connected to the well-being of family, community, and society. This value system laid the foundation for his leadership in Navy Medicine, where he always prioritized the health and welfare of those under his command.
This sense of responsibility and dedication to duty is a cornerstone of Valdes’ leadership philosophy. He described how his family’s teachings of accountability and respect for others guided him throughout his Naval career.
“Who you are and what you do is judged by your dedication to duty and responsibility for your actions,” Valdes said.
This mindset not only shaped his decision-making but also helped him cultivate trust and build strong, cohesive teams in Navy Medicine.
Faith also played a crucial role in Valdes’ upbringing. Growing up in a Catholic household, with a priest as an uncle, he was immersed in a spiritual environment that taught him resilience and perseverance.
“Faith generates trust, confidence, and strength to persevere,” Valdes said, underscoring the importance of spirituality in navigating challenges, both personal and professional.
These qualities have been central to his leadership style, particularly in the demanding world of military medicine, where the ability to remain calm under pressure and lead with compassion is paramount.
In addition to family and faith, Valdes pointed to language as another key influence. Although he didn’t become fluent in English until his teenage years when they moved to Florida, Spanish was the language spoken in his home. He explained that the richness of the Spanish language not only connected him to his cultural roots but also broadened his perspective.
“The ability to speak, read, and think in the richness of the Spanish language opens creative and cultural streams that promote true diversity of thought, judgment, and action,” Valdes said.
This appreciation for linguistic diversity has informed his approach to leadership, enabling him to draw from a wide range of perspectives and foster inclusivity in his command.
As he reflected on his career, Valdes linked his personal story to the broader theme of the Hispanic Heritage Observance - “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” He spoke with optimism about the future, believing that the values he learned from his parents—hard work, responsibility, and a commitment to community—will continue to guide the next generation of Hispanic leaders in the Navy and beyond.
“I am convinced that the U.S. Hispanic community will have an outsized influence in our society over the next 30 years,” Valdes said.
Dan Carreño, executive director of NAWCWD and national champion of the Hispanic Engagement Action Team (HEAT), also offered his insight about the critical contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Navy and the nation, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
As the observance concluded, the audience reflected on the profound impact of Hispanic pioneers and their ongoing contributions to shaping the future of the Navy. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in building a stronger, more resilient force—one where every Sailor’s heritage and story is valued and celebrated.
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2024 17:15 |
| Story ID: | 480844 |
| Location: | CHINA LAKE NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | MIAMI, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 122 |
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