JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and each year the Department of Defense, along with the rest of the nation, is recognizing the important contributions and rich culture of Hispanic Americans.
The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning Sept. 15 and ending Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
This year’s theme is “Unidos – Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” “Unidos” can be roughly translated to mean united, connected, or close.
This concept of unity and togetherness giving us strength is one that has been long held by the DOD, and it is a driving factor in striving for inclusivity and equal opportunity. A local senior leader will be our guest speaker, who will shed light on this year’s theme.
In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the JBSA Affirmative Employment Program, Civilian Personnel Section, in collaboration with JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center, will host a cohesion and diversity event this year.
A National Hispanic Heritage Month event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center, 3060 Stanley Road, building 2797. Lunch and entertainment takes place from noon to 1 p.m. with local schools and community providing music and dance entertainment. Guest performers will come from McCollum High School, Mariachi Orgullo, Chayito Champion Ballet Plata y Oro Dancers and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston's own Cole High School Choir. The Culinary Class who will be providing food pastry’s samplings. Food trucks will also be available.
Representatives from Civilian Personnel Section and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center, will provide information tables and offer information regarding community programs.
Celebrating together with other nonprofit organizations, we will introduce core military programs bilingually in English and Spanish to share information, foster partnership, build connections, and promote a cohesive community. This fun and interactive event is open to all DOD ID card members.
Military Core Programs include the following:
- Personal Work/Life
- Exceptional Family Member Program
- Employment Readiness Program
- Deployment Readiness
- Personal Financial Readiness
- Schedule A Hiring Authority
- Volunteer Information
- Relocation
- Information and Referral
- Esposas Militares Hispanas USA Armed Forces organization
National Hispanic Heritage Month theme posters will be displayed across Joint Base San Antonio, Military and Family Readiness Centers and JBSA libraries. For more information, contact the Civilian Personnel Section at 210-221-1401 or 802FSS.FSCA.MBX-JBSA-FSH-CPS@us.af.mil