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Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 28, 2007

Luncheon celebrates accomplishments of Hispanic-Americans

By David DeKunder Wingspread staff writer

Team Randolph will honor Hispanic Heritage with a luncheon Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at the enlisted club. 

"Making a Positive Impact on American Society," which recognizes the achievements Hispanic-Americans have made to our country, will be the theme for this year's event. 

The luncheon will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event includes the meal, entertainment and portraits of prominent Hispanic-Americans created by Randolph youth. The guest speaker will be Judge Juan Chavira from the Bexar County Family Court. 

Staff Sgt. Bianca Farber, Hispanic Heritage Month Committee chairperson, said the luncheon will showcase the contributions Hispanic-Americans have made to America and in some instances, the Air Force. 

"The purpose of the luncheon is to inform people about the contributions Hispanic-Americans have made to America and to recognize Hispanic-Americans here and abroad," she said. "The guest speaker will talk about how Hispanic-Americans, in all walks of life, have made a huge impact on American society, whether they have been government leaders, musicians, artists, teachers, scientists, athletes, actors, actresses or served in the military." 

Sergeant Farber said the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee has 250 seats reserved for the luncheon. Col. Richard Clark, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, will be among those attending. 

Providing the entertainment will be Semeneya Ballroom, a local group that performs various Latin dances, and Galo Gutierrez, who plays a variety of Latin genre music.
Sergeant Farber said the committee brought entertainment to the luncheon that will reflect the diversity and spirit of the Hispanic-American culture. 

"Since there are 20 various Latin cultures, we want the entertainment to hit all the backgrounds, not just one," she said. "Every year we try to get a different feel for the local artistry in the area." 

The portraits of prominent Hispanic-Americans will be created by Randolph youth who participate in an art contest. The contest, which started Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 8, is open to all students, in grades kindergarten through seniors, who attend Randolph schools or are home-schooled. Prizes for first, second and third place designs will be awarded in two school-age categories: elementary and secondary. 

For more information on the art contest, call Staff Sgt. Ruben Gonzalez at 565-4859.
Since June, Sergeant Farber said committee members have put in long hours planning and getting ready for the luncheon. 

"It takes a lot of work and time to put this event on," the sergeant said. "This will be a great event for people to educate themselves about Hispanic-American society. We will have great entertainment, great food and a great speaker." 

Tickets for the luncheon are available for $13 per person and can be purchased through Master Sgt. David Calbillo at 652-6850 or Master Sgt. Lino Pruneda at 652-9060. The last day to purchase tickets is Oct. 9.