BOLESŁAWIEC, Poland –
The U.S. Army is composed of various groups; among these is the Hispanic American population, which comprises 16.4% of active duty Army Soldiers, according to the Department of Defense 2020 Demographics Report of the Military.
For Hispanic American service members, Hispanic Heritage month is a chance to honor their heritage and learn about their contributions to our nation's history.
“I think diversity is important because it creates the dynamics for our force to be multidimensional, as opposed to being one-dimensional with one type of Soldier,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Agustín Montañez, a public affairs mass communications sergeant assigned to the 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 101st Troop Command, Puerto Rico Army National Guard. “The fact that we are from many different places from all across the world and can join the United States Army is a great thing.”
“It’s important for us, as Hispanics, to represent our culture and to show that not only we’re a part of the military, but also it’s important for us to distinguish ourselves as Soldiers and Latin Americans,” said Spc. Hassani Ribera, a public affairs mass communications sergeant assigned to the 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 101st Troop Command, Puerto Rico Army National Guard, and Florida, Puerto Rico native. “It makes me feel proud to serve as a Soldier, but also to celebrate our particular month in the year for us, the Latin culture.”