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A mariachi band plays at a Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon at the Air Force Academy Sept. 15, 2011. The 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month lucheon is scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Arnold Hall Ballroom. Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased by Sept. 24.
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Academy to observe Hispanic Heritage Month
Posted 9/19/2012 Updated 9/20/2012
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by Tech. Sgt. Vann Miller
Air Force Academy Public Affairs
9/19/2012 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a cause for celebration; it is an opportunity to grow.
The theme of this month's cultural observance is "Diversity United - Building America's Future Today," and the members of Hispanic Heritage committee have invited everyone to partake in the events.
"We want cadets, who graduate as leaders of character, to be able to work in a diverse and global society," said Dr. Sonia Esquivel, chair of the Hispanic Heritage Committee.
Being a member of the Latino community is not the only reason she finds cultural events like these important, Esquivel said.
"I celebrate my culture every day, whether it's in what I am wearing, food, or reading to my daughter in Spanish," she said. "But the opportunities that the Equal Opportunity (office) gives us, such as these luncheons, are the perfect opportunity to share our culture with others while educating about our history.
One of the ways the cadets can learn about the prominent people from the Latino community is to visit the building where their classes are held.
"There are about a dozen posters displayed throughout Fairchild (Hall) of those who have contributed to our culture, as well as the affect they have had on our culture," Esquivel said.
Esquivel described how she respects and values all cultural observances, and said that if these events were not available here, she would be the one to encourage the cadets to start them.
This year, Esquivel says she plans to share elements from her culture about which she is enthusiastic. Her hope is that cadets walk away with a sense of identity and recognize that being at the Academy does not mean losing what makes each of us an individual.
"I want the cadets to leave with a sense of belonging to the institution, more so, a sense of inclusion," she said.
One of the ways she hopes to deliver this idea is with the invitees -- an authentic mariachi band, Mariachi Aguila from Delores Huerta Preparatory School in Pueblo, Colo., and a guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Abel Barrientes, who is also an Academy graduate.
"Music in our culture is so important," she said. "The mariachis are the foundation of music for us. And the speaker we have coming is one of only a few (Latino) generals. That is pretty significant, especially for our cadets. I hope that his speech inspires our cadets to become generals as well."
Esquivel said cadets need to visualize themselves as Air Force leaders like Barrientes so they can be motivated and thinking of how they too can become generals.
In creating the future leaders of the Air Force, the academy continues to make diversity a priority.
"Diversity is one of the boundless strengths of the Air Force Academy that includes and involves all. To become even stronger we must continue to promote an organizational culture of inclusion that leverages the diversity of all," said Dr. Adis Vila, chief diversity officer.
Cultural event observances give Airmen open forums to not only learn about others, but they teach people an important lesson about embracing and respecting one another, according to one cadet.
"It (the Hispanic Heritage Committee) is breaking barriers because it opens doors for a different level of acceptance," said Cadet 2nd Class Jon Espinoza, president of the Hispanic Heritage Club.
Espinoza, who is assigned to Cadet Squadron 24, said fellow cadets at the Academy have shown a positive reaction to the activities and plans for this cultural observance.
"An example of support is when I announced this luncheon to my squadron," Espinoza said. "My AOC (air officer commanding) said he too was attending and (said) anyone from the squad who wanted to attend could."
As a participant in the Hispanic Heritage club, Espinoza has had cadets from other squadrons ask if being Hispanic is a requirement to participate. And the answer is of course no, he said
Espinoza explained how important an education on diversity and acceptance will be for members in today's Air Force.
"Being Mexican, I know of my heritage, but I don't know, for example, people from Puerto Rico and their heritage. It (the cultural observance) is for anyone who wants to learn."
He said that participating in the committee has given him a great chance to share his culture with his fellow cadets.
For information about cultural committees, contact Master Sgt. Debra Reddecliff, equal opportunity superintendent, at 333-6374. To participate in this year's Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon, contact Dr. Sonia Esquivel at 333-8356. The luncheon will be noon to 1:30 Sept. 27 in the Arnold Hall Ballroom. Tickets cost $10 and must be purchased by Sept. 24. |
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