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Spotlight

National Hispanic
Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation.

Stories

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Resources
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Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2024 

Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2024
Related Link |

DEOMI: National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 

DEOMI: National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
Related Link |

Commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month 

Commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Related Link |

Latino Patriots in American Military History 

Latino Patriots in American Military History

Photos

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Hispanic Personnel in the Defense Department

Hispanic Service Members

209.7k .......... Enlisted

20.3k .......... Officers

1.3M .......... Total Active-Duty Service Members

17.2% 82.8%

About 8 out of every 100 DOD civilians are Hispanic.

61,753

Hispanic DOD Civilians

of 794,333 total Civilian Force

Watch: Videos

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Laisha Martinez, 56th Medical Group public health technician, discusses Hispanic Heritage Month and her experience as a Hispanic Airman, Sept. 16, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year and celebrates the contributions of Hispanics across the country. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) Play
Airman Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
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Airman Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Laisha Martinez, 56th Medical Group public health technician, discusses Hispanic Heritage Month and her experience as a Hispanic Airman, Sept. 16, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year and celebrates the contributions of Hispanics across the country. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) Play
Airman Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
0:43
Airman Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
SECNAV Addresses Hispanic American Heritage Month 2024 Play
Navy Secretary Marks Hispanic Heritage
1:41
Navy Secretary Marks Hispanic Heritage
National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation. This year's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," coincides with important dates in many communities and encompasses independence days for several Latin American countries. Members of the D.C. National Guard describe what the month means to them. Whether serving in the military or contributing through our civilian workforce, their dedication and service are deeply appreciated. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright) Play
D.C. Guardsmen Reflect on Heritage
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D.C. Guardsmen Reflect on Heritage
An animation displaying National Hispanic Heritage Month Air Force Reserve hispanics noteworthy of honoring in the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month for the Air Force Reserve, at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, August 30, 2024. This graphic was created as a TASK for the observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month. (U.S. Air Force Reserve still graphic by Mr. Ivan Rivera) Play
Hispanic Military Leaders
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Hispanic Military Leaders
The 7th Mission Support Command highlights SSG Andre Montijo-Ginard in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the honorable service of our Hispanic Soldiers and their contributions to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Andre Montijo-Ginard, enlisted in America's Army Reserve in June 2018 as a human resources specialist and currently serves in the command personnel directorate with the 7th Mission Support Command - THE U.S. Army Reserve in Europe. Montijo is a third-generation service member, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Montijo's approach to leadership is heavily influenced by the tight nit community he grew up with in Utuado, Puerto Rico. "Growing up in Puerto Rico, it's family oriented," he said. "Everyone cared about you regardless of if you were family or not. We're always taught to take care of them [each other] ... and I think that translates to the Army as well." This deeply held belief in building and maintaining a community fuels him as Soldier, an NCO, and as a suicide prevention leader within his unit. "We learn how to care of our Soldiers," said Montijo. "We try to be in the position that they're in so that we can mentor and coach them." When asked about his approach to 'knowing his Soldiers,' he revealed that, for him, it all starts with one question. "My go-to question is 'how are you,' he said. "How are you,' creates a lot of conversations. You have to be aware and ready when that Soldier says 'hey, you know what, I'm not doing okay,' and it's up to us, as leaders, to take care of them and listen to them. I feel like the listening part is the most important thing, because if you really listen to them, you're going to be able to help them, and in the future, they're going to be able to help you and others." September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Play
Celebrating Heritage While Taking Care of Troops
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Celebrating Heritage While Taking Care of Troops
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III observes National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (DoD video by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright) Play
Secretary Observes National Hispanic Heritage Month
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Secretary Observes National Hispanic Heritage Month
White graphic with "National Hispanic Heritage Month" written in large black letters, and additional slogan in small letters. Play
Hanscom Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
2:29
Hanscom Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
Graphic with Hispanic decorations overlies an image of a soldier in uniform standing outdoors. Play
Army Reservists Discuss Heritage, Service
2:15
Army Reservists Discuss Heritage, Service
Two people in civilian clothes hug and smile for a photo. Play
Puerto Rico Native Finds 'Extended Family' in Army
1:25
Puerto Rico Native Finds 'Extended Family' in Army
Overhead view of flags in a circular display outdoors. Play
'You Are Part of This'
1:44
'You Are Part of This'
A civilian speaks in front of an orange background with the words "NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH." Play
DOD Civilian Reflects on 'Unidos'
2:06
DOD Civilian Reflects on 'Unidos'
Graphic with historic photo and painting of service members. Play
Special Forces Honor Hispanic Americans
0:55
Special Forces Honor Hispanic Americans
NDW Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month featuring RP1 Anna DominguezRuiz. Play
Keeping Traditions Alive
2:26
Keeping Traditions Alive
Image of a display that includes a Marine cover, jacket and a card depicting Marines. Play
'Our Heritage Is Beautiful'
2:39
'Our Heritage Is Beautiful'
A sailor sits at a desk in a cubicle. Play
Sense of Pride
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Sense of Pride
Service members on Okinawa - AN Yoanni Santana (USN), LCpl Juan Carpanzano (USMC), PV2 Daively Jorge Santana (USA), and A1C German Sanchez (USAF) - reflect on what it means to them to be Hispanic and serving in the military in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, 2020. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from 15 September through 15 October. Play
Reflections on Hispanic Heritage
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Reflections on Hispanic Heritage