National Hispanic American heritage Month

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Hispanic Heritage Month Honors Culture

by Cpl. Alisha R. Fitzgerald
MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C, Sept. 12, 2003. — Each year, from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, America honors the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make to our nation by observing National Hispanic Heritage Month.

With 21,653 enlisted Marines of Hispanic origin, according to the 2002 Marines Almanac, this time holds special meaning for many Depot personnel and their families.

Since 1968, America has observed the tradition by celebrating the heritage, history and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans through celebrations, activities and educational material during September. Full Story

Source: U.S. Marine Corps News Service

Park Dedicated to Hispanic Medal of Honor Recipient

Private First Class Eugene A. Obregon Photo by U.S. Marine Corps

By Lance Cpl. Andy J. Hurt
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. Oct. 9, 2003 — There is a little known area at the MCLB Barstow Yermo Annex, where all base personnel can congregate and enjoy the high desert atmosphere, seldom discussed.

A park just inside the main gate at Yermo that is dedicated to the memory of a great American hero, Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, just one of the countless Hispanic Marines who gave his life for his country, and one of 38 Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients.

Obregon, an East Los Angeles native, joined the Marines at the tender age of 17, along with four friends. He was stationed aboard MCLB Barstow from 1948-1950. He was a member of the Base Fire Department. Full Story

Source: U.S. Marine Corps News Service

Hispanic War Veteran Honored

Major General Christopher Cortez, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, commends Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the 2003 recipient of the Heroes and Heritage Award, for his strength and determination. Photo by: Sgt. Matt Griffin.

By Sgt. Matt Griffin
AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2003 — Less than four months ago, Staff Sgt. Eric Alva nearly died. On March 21, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Iraq, Alva stepped on a landmine. He broke his right arm and his right leg was damaged so badly it needed to be amputated.

However, his sufferings haven't dampened his mind and spirit. This was

obvious to all who saw Alva accept the Heroes and Heritage Award July 13, at the National Council of La Raza during a special salute to Hispanics military presentation.

Major General Christopher Cortez, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Va., was on stage and presented Alva with his award.

"SSgt. Alva is a credit to the Corps," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Cortez. "We are grateful for his faithful service and proud to honor him today." Full Story

Source: U.S. Marine Corps News Service

Marines celebrate diversity at NCLR Conference

By Sgt. Matt Griffin

Colonel Lawrence Gonzales, Head of Manpower Equal Opportunity, Manpower & Reserve Affairs, addresses the attendees of the National Council of La Raza's 2003 annual conference. The Marine Corps participated in the conference to increase awareness of Marine Corps' opportunities for the Hispanic community. Photo by: Sgt. Matt Griffin.

AUSTIN, Texas, July 21, 2003 — Marine Corps Recruiting continued to foster its relationship with the Hispanic community July 12-15 during the National Council of La Raza's 25th Annual Conference held at the Austin

Convention Center here. The NCLR is the largest constituency-based national organization for Hispanics in the United States. The organization is dedicated to reducing poverty and improving life opportunities for Hispanic Americans, according to the NCLR's mission statement.

"We are proud of our partnership with the NCLR," said Major General Christopher Cortez, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. "Our longstanding relationship with the NCLR has allowed us to highlight opportunities for Hispanics in the Marine Corps." Full Story

Source: U.S. Marine Corps News Service

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