FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. — Bright lights illuminated the stage as the Army Jazz Band kicked off with a lively version of "Despacito." The crowd buzzed with excitement, eagerly anticipating the start of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
This year’s national theme is “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together.” The theme emphasizes the Hispanic Americans who have sacrificed to create a better future for the nation and all Americans.
To launch the month-long celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans, the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade hosted a lively lunchtime event at the Petroleum & Water Department auditorium. The observance featured vibrant dancers, delicious food, and a keynote speaker whose life journey began in Farragut, Brooklyn N.Y.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando Silva, who was born in Brooklyn New York, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988.
“What I knew of the military derived from what I saw on television, Rambo, The A- Team and Chuck Norris, said Silva.
His parents would briefly speak about relatives who served in the military, but their conversations were always short.
“They would mention the one relative that served in Korea, or the other one who wore shinny boots and a red hat,” said Silva. “That was the extent of the conversation.”
It was not until Silva saw the catchy commercials and the slogan “Be All You Can Be” that he enlisted, a decision that would ultimately begin the profound impact the military would have on his life.
After graduating basic training Silva, reported to Airborne school in February 1989.
“That’s where I realized what the red hat and the shiny boots meant,” he said.
One of Silva’s relatives was a paratrooper that served in the 82nd Airborne Division, where he too, would serve, and wear the shiny boots, the maroon beret and the infamous jump wings.
“I served in the 82nd for many years and it became of my most cherished assignments,” he said.
One of Silva’s fondest memories as a platoon sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division was when a newly arrived Hispanic Soldier approached him, voicing his desire to join the Special Forces. Silva took the time to explain what it took to succeed in the Special Forces selection process.
“I’ve heard this countless times, but I explained the process to the young Soldier,” he said. “But I never imagined the he was actually listening,” he continued.
A decade later, while browsing the internet, Silva stumbled upon a site called "Valor Project," where he discovered the photo of his young Soldier under the Silver Star recipient section.
"As I read the citation, it noted that over 100 Taliban fighters lay dead while he returned fire and provided support to the Afghan commandos he was responsible for," Silva recalled.
“I was able to reunite with that young Soldier, he gave me the biggest hug ever and he thanked me,” he added. “That ladies and gentlemen was better than any award or decoration I’ve ever earned.”
Silva addressed the audience making a point to speak directly to the young to the Hispanic Soldiers in attendance.
“Never forget that you stand on the shoulders of all that came before you and paved the way, sometimes with loss of life, limb, sanity and eyesight,” he said. “Earn it, as many previous Soldiers did. The Army is a choice, and Soldiering is a lifestyle that is not free.”
According to the DoD demographic data for 2022, over 8 percent of DoD civilian employees indicate Hispanic ethnicity and about 19 percent of active-duty military personnel identify as Hispanic or Latino.
National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the culture and contributions of persons of any race who trace their origin or descent to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures.
It was first established as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.
The commemoration is unique because it spans parts of two months. It started Sept. 15, to coincide with the day many Central American countries celebrate their independence. And, on Oct. 12, Spain and Central American countries observe the Day of Hispanic Heritage.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2024 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 481714 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
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