TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
Nationwide Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated at Tinker Air Pressure Base September 22, 2023 with all kinds of occasions for civilians and repair members to attend.
Yearly, People observe Nationwide Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct.15. The month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors got here from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Nationwide Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week below President Lyndon Johnson. President Ronald Reagan lengthened the observance to cowl a 30-day interval in 1988. It was enacted into legislation on Aug. 17, 1988, per Public Regulation 100-402.
The day of celebrations started with keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Marisol Chalas, the primary Latina Nationwide Guard Blackhawk Pilot.
Chalas was born in Bani, Dominican Republic and moved to america together with her household to Massachusetts on the age of 9. She started her army profession as an enlisted Soldier in July 1990. In 2001 she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant within the Aviation department from the Georgia Navy Institute Officer Candidate Faculty.
Chalas has operations and strategic expertise at america Army Forces Command and Headquarters, Division of the Army stage. Chalas’ worldwide duties entail Battle Captain and Platoon Chief throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Aviation Liaison within the Dominican Republic below a Mixed Joint Process Pressure. Different assignments embody Lean Six Sigma advisor, Pressure Administration and Alternate Officer serving with the Canadian Forces in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and two rotations as Firm Commander.
Chalas spoke to a big crowd inside dock two at constructing 230 at Tinker Air Pressure Base in regards to the historical past of Hispanic and Latin People within the miliary, whereas sharing her private story.
“I share my life story with you, to not dwell on the damaging however to rejoice what dedication and dedication can do,” mentioned Chalas. “You could have and possibly will proceed to cope with adversity however what issues is how to reply to these challenges. I hope that my story will encourage Hispanic People and folks from all nationalities and walks of life to stress their goals and to by no means hand over.”
Following the morning keynote deal with, attendees visited the A La Calle block occasion on Sentry Boulevard full with meals vans, cultural performances, and academic cubicles.
Oklahoma Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez additionally addressed the group.
“This was a beautiful occasion for the neighborhood,” mentioned Captain Isabelle Allen, the 552 Air Management Wing Range and Inclusion Supervisor. “We’re grateful for the incredible audio system and teams that got here out and are trying ahead to partnering with some unbelievable organizations to proceed increasing our heritage month outreach.”
Friday’s keynote speaker and block occasion was organized by the Tinker Air Pressure Base Hispanic & Latino Heritage Membership. HLHC Treasurer Mr. Anthony Hernandez famous, “This occasion introduced individuals collectively – it encompasses everybody, your loved ones, neighborhood, and the Air Pressure.” One of many 552 Air Management Wing’s priorities is caring for Airmen. HLHC Vice President A1C Mary Roybal remarked the Wing will, “strengthen our army by breaking boundaries by celebrating our variations and unifying our numerous armed forces.”
