Photo By Pfc. Cecilia Ochoa | Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Zamora, training and operations assistant noncommissioned...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colorado.- As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we shine a light on the remarkable Hispanic American Soldiers within the 4th Infantry Division. These Soldiers bring their rich cultural backgrounds, strong work ethic, and deep sense of community into their service, enhancing the strength and unity of the division.
Capt. Brian Matias: Embracing Culture and Leadership Through Representation
Capt. Brian Matias, a data systems engineer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, brings both technical expertise and cultural pride into his role. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Matias enlisted in the Army in 2012, at the age of 17 and later (in 2016) transitioned to become an officer. Reflecting on his journey, Matias shared how his culture has shaped his military experience:
"I remember coming into the military and being probably one of three Latinos in my entire company,” said Matias. “For some reason, we were all put in the same room, and we shared stories from our different Hispanic cultures. Hispanic Heritage Month is about having all those different cultures and sharing them with the rest of the world."
For Matias', food is a significant aspect of his Puerto Rican heritage. He often introduces his fellow Soldiers to the flavors of Puerto Rico, taking them to try the cuisine in Colorado Springs. "I share my culture through food," said Matias. "I usually order for them because I want them to try everything, and it’s amazing to see their reactions."
Matias' pride in his heritage also influences his leadership approach. He was interested in the 4th Infantry Division because of its history of Hispanic leadership.
"One of the reasons I chose to interview for a position at 4CAB and 4ID was because the previous brigade commander was from Puerto Rico,” said Matias. "Seeing that representation at such a high level made my decision to join this unit much easier."
Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Zamora: Family-Oriented Leadership
Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Zamora, from Los Angeles, California, serves as the training and operations section assistant non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) with 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Coming from a Mexican family, Zamora emphasized how his heritage influences his leadership style and commitment to his Soldiers.
"My heritage means a lot because culturally, we are a big, family-oriented culture," said Zamora. "That reflects in how I treat my unit. I consider them my family as well."
Zamora's leadership is shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance, which were instilled in him growing up in a Mexican household. "I was brought up to be a hard worker and never allowed to complain. That work ethic translates directly into my military career," said Zamora.
Zamora’s pride in his Hispanic heritage extends to his leadership of Soldiers from all backgrounds. "When I was a platoon sergeant, my platoon was my family. I wasn't just someone in command—I was taking care of everyone, regardless of their rank, like they were my own," said Zamora.
Spc. Hector Vanegas: Overcoming Barriers and Building Bonds
Originally from Colombia, Spc. Hector Vanegas, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, moved to the U.S. at age 21 and joined the Army at 26, inspired by his cousin.
Reflecting on challenges, Vanegas shared how language barriers didn't hold him back: "My English wasn’t the best,” said Vanegas. "I never let that stop me. I always made sure I was understood, and I worked hard to learn and communicate."
Vanegas, like many other Hispanic American Soldiers, has found family and camaraderie within the Army. "I’ve created a family with my peers—something I never thought would happen at the level it is," said Vanegas. "I trust the person to the left and right of me."
A proud Hispanic American Soldier, Vanegas celebrates his culture through food and laughter.
"We joke around in Spanish, and I like sharing Colombian food with my peers,” said Vanegas. “It's a way for us to bond and appreciate where we come from."
The contributions of Hispanic American Soldiers like Matias, Zamora, and Vanegas are invaluable to the 4th Infantry Division and the Army as a whole. Their dedication, cultural pride, and leadership reflect the diversity that strengthens the U.S. military. As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the profound impact that Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make in service to their country.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2024 15:39 |
| Story ID: | 482275 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON , COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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