FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Hundreds of soldiers and families helped celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Sandy Basin Community Center on Sept. 18. The theme of the event was “Honoring Hispanic Americans – Essential to the Blueprint of our Nation.” The guest speaker was Maj. Gen. (ret.) Luis Visot. He began by asking everyone to stand and greet at least ten people. Visot called out more than a dozen, different Latin American countries, asking if anyone was from either of them and having them be recognized. He acknowledged that the history, culture, faith, work ethic and contributions of American citizens from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central/South America are important.
“That’s what this is about. It’s a celebration,” Visot said.
Visot said he is half Puerto Rican and half Mexican and asked that the audience consider what’s important about each culture and avoid complaining, judging or criticizing.
The event wrapped up with cultural performances by Cpt. Isis Rosario, who goes by Izis la Enfermera de la Salsa on stage, and other dances. There was also the traditional cake cutting, along with tacos, maduros, arroz con gandules, salsa, aji and a whole, roasted pic. The event was hosted by the EO/EEO offices, along with the 1916th support battalion and 916th support brigade.