Photo By Sgt. Eddie Reyes | FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,...... read more read more
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by Spc. Edgar Reyes
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, celebrated American-Hispanic Heritage by hosting a program and a social gathering in the dining facility here Saturday.
The event commenced with an observance ceremony, which began with remarks by Command Sgt. Major Elijah King Jr., 2nd BCT, on the significance of the occasion.
"Through hard work, faith in God and a deep love of family, hispanic Americans have pursued their dreams and contributed to the strength and vitality of our nation," said King. "Today, Americans of hispanic descent are serving in our armed forces with courage and honor, and their efforts are helping make America more secure and bringing freedom to people around the world."
One highlight during the observance was the tribute to hispanic Medal of Honor recipients, who served in our nation's biggest wars. One of the Soldiers highlighted was Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez, 5th Special Forces Group, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valorous actions in Vietnam when he made several attempts to rescue dead and wounded Soldiers from a 12-man Special Forces team despite severe wounds to himself and several mishaps during his rescue attempts.
After the tribute, Spc. Maira Cifuentes, administrative clerk, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT, sang a musical selection originally written by Selena, known by many as the "Queen of Tex-Mex," entitled "Como la Flor." The crowd clapped to the music and even donned sombreros to celebrate the occasion.
After the song, one of the guest speakers for the night, Capt. Carlos Calderon, legal advisor, HHC, 2nd BCT, spoke on the importance of following one's dreams despite difficult challenges.
"Don't surrender your dreams to age, to gender, to social background or upbringing," said Calderon. "Take that dream and make it your purpose. I tell you, with a sense of purpose in life, there will be no emptiness or time to feel sorry for yourself. No matter how short you are of that goal, you will have the excitement of having a destiny, of being part of a journey.
Someone much wiser than me said one time, 'If you don't know where you are going, when you get there, you'll be lost.'"
Closing the observance was Col. John Tully, commander, 2nd BCT, who stated the reason America is so strong is because of its cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
After the program, the social gathering kicked off with food, beverages, karaoke and Soldiers dancing to the rhythms of Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton from FOB Kalsu's favorite disc jockey, Sgt. Alberto Olivera, HHC, 2nd BCT.
"The social gathering was awesome," said Cifuentes. "It was the best party we've had so far. There was a lot of music and dancing. I almost forgot I was in Iraq."
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2006 15:05 |
| Story ID: | 7894 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 102 |
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