RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Around 300 Airmen and civilians filled the ballroom of the Randolph Air Force Base Enlisted Club Oct. 9 to experience a slice of Hispanic culture during the 2008 Hispanic Heritage Luncheon.
Participants listened to mariachi music, watched Panamanian dancing and are Latin-themed food as they participated in the end of a month-long celebration of Hispanic heritage.
In appreciation of that legacy, Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, thanked the audience for attending and added that Hispanics -- 43 of them -- were prominently represented on the rolls of America's Medal of Honor winners, having fought bravely in the nation's conflicts throughout history.
"There's no better tradition than the legacy of honor of the thousands of Hispanics who have given their lives in the service of their country," the colonel stated.
After Colonel Van Ovost's remarks and lunch that was highlighted by the Highlands High School mariachi troupe performing hits like "La Bamba," prominent San Antonio Hispanic businessman Henry Munoz III, the son of a prominent labor leader and organizer, talked about what celebrating Hispanic heritage meant to him.
Mr. Munoz started his speech by joking that when he received the invitation to speak at the luncheon, he thought they'd sent it to the "wrong Henry" -- that it should have gone to former San Antonio mayor and cabinet member Henry Cisneros instead. He went on to say that when he examined America's Hispanic heritage, it was one that was white, black, brown and everything in between and struggling for a sense of identity. He also said Hispanics were a people for whom borders had been created.
But Mr. Munoz added, looking at the largely warrior audience, that the freedom which allowed Hispanic Americans to prosper was gained with the sacrifices made by the nation's military, which he said was an American story in itself.
"It is a story that has been built on the shoulders of people like you who volunteered to serve our country," Mr. Munoz said. "Our country is built on the shoulders of everyday heroes. I can't tell you how proud I am to be with people who decided to serve their country."
Mr. Munoz concluded his speech by saying America was facing difficult times ahead and that Americans, collectively, should step forward.
"It's time to say 'we can do better'," he said. "Give back -- and get involved."