José Velázquez joined the U.S. Army in 1990, and is one of many Latinos who were highlighted during the Army’s Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15.
The U.S. Army celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month this year with the national theme of “Diversity United, Building American’s Future Today”. Their website states that they chose the theme to recognize the achievements and contributions Latinos have made with their vital role in this country.
“I grew up in a very poor part north of Boston and opportunities were few and far in between,” says Velázquez, a soldier who’s proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. “The Army gave me the chance to go to school. It gave me the opportunity to learn the business of broadcasting at a very high level. And also, it paid me.”
According to the Census Bureau, as of 2009, there are 1.1 million Latino veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far we have come,” says Velázquez. “The fact that many Hispanics have done so well in the Army is a reflection of how well we’re doing throughout the nation. We are at the forefront of a great time in America, where our community can add to the story of what is America.”
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