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Ramstein Airmen sound off on the Hispanic/Latino culture
The weeks of Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 have been set aside to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now.”
Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence Sept. 16 and Chile Sept. 18. The United States has celebrated the history and cultural traditions of the nation’s Hispanic and Latino people for more than 30 years. The estimated Hispanic population in the United States as of July 1, 2008, was 46.9 million, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic minority.
Recently, the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office polled some of Ramstein’s Airmen on their thoughts of their Hispanic and Latino heritage.
Check out next week’s KA for more interviews.
NAME: Senior Master Sgt. Jose M. Alvarez Jr.
UNIT/JOB TITLE: 435th Air Mobility Squadron first sergeant
HOMETOWN: Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and raised in Bayamon (Levittown), Puerto Rico. I consider Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., my hometown. I lived there for 10 years and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with the 33rd Fighter Wing
What is your favorite part of being Hispanic? A really big family all living in a relatively close
proximity to each other in the Island of Puerto Rico. Growing up and getting to know all your grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. and having a good time. There was always a get-together or party somewhere. Great food and lively music.
There are a lot of Hispanic/Latino first’s in our history. A recent example is Sonia Sotomayor becoming the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. Do you have any Hispanic/Latino hero(s)? There are too many. Go to www.historymania.com/american_history/List_of_famous_Puerto_Ricans. They are my heroes because I have something in common with them.
Do you believe the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” can be used interchangeably? Either or. I am not offended whether I am called a Hispanic or Latino. Most of the time, I associate myself as Puerto Rican or Boricua.
Do you and your family do anything special during Hispanic Heritage Month? Not really. I did not grow up having a Hispanic Heritage Month in the Island of Puerto Rico. Every day was the same to me.
NAME: Senior Airman Raquel Cruz
UNIT/JOB TITLE: 86th Medical Operations Squadron emergency response service medical aerospace
journeyman
HOMETOWN: Washington, D.C.
What is your favorite part of being Hispanic? The food and the people. Salvadorians are known for a dish called “a pupusas;” it’s delicious. Sometimes I wish I had access to them. I’ve attempted to make them, but it’s not like the way my mother made them. I’ve been to El Salvador three times, and every time I always felt welcomed. The people are so humble; they don’t expect anything from you but just your love. I love how the families are so united and depend on one another, not many families are like that. I would definitely go back to visit.
There are a lot of Hispanic/Latino first’s in our history. A recent example is Sonia Sotomayor becoming the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. Do you have any Hispanic/Latino hero(s)? I think it’s great that we have a lot of “firsts” out there; it’s a great accomplishment. For me, my true hero is my madrina (godmother) Clara Hawken. She was born and raised in Colombia and later went to the United States. She always reminded me of where I came from. She made me understand why it’s important to learn and be able to speak Spanish and also pass it on to my family. Clara has accomplished a lot and has made a difference in many lives by helping the community and just spreading her love where ever it was needed, never thinking of herself but others. She is the strongest person I know; she fought breast cancer and a stroke, but she is still here with us.
Do you believe the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” can be used interchangeably? To me there is no difference between the terms; they have the same meaning, which is, that I come from a Spanish-speaking
culture. We, Hispanics or Latinos, don’t all have the same customs or speak the same dialect, but I know we are all proud to say who we are and where we come from. I wasn’t born in El Salvador, my parents were but I’m proud to say, “Soy Salvadoreña” – I’m Salvadorian.
Do you and your family do anything special during Hispanic Heritage Month? Well, when I lived in Washington, D.C., they had a Spanish festival each year that I tried to attend, but it’s hard now that I’m in the military. One of my favorite things was when I was with my godparents and their family for Christmas. We would say the novena, which is a Catholic tradition, and light the candles. We would also sing Christmas carols known as villancicos. Those are the memories I won’t forget – when the family was together.
