U.S. Army Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month Through Partnerships With Leading Hispanic Organizations

FT. KNOX, Ky., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the U.S. Army will recognize the contributions of Hispanic soldiers, celebrate the traditions of the Hispanic community and help develop the nation's next generation of Hispanic leaders.

Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, the Army will partner with four leading organizations – the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), the Hispanic Association of College and Universities (HACU) and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) – to support local and national programs that reflect upon the achievements of Hispanics and foster their continued success. These partnerships are part of Army's ongoing efforts to ensure the Hispanic community is aware of the vast educational and career options and opportunities available through the Army.

The Army is partnering with local LULAC Councils to co-host Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego. The social events will bring together local community leaders, LULAC representatives and Army officials to recognize soldiers of Hispanic descent for their dedication to our nation's defense. These soldiers also represent the diverse pathways and career options available to serve through the Army, both through officership or enlistment. Local Hispanic business and civic leaders also will be recognized for their contributions to their respective communities.

The Hispanic Heritage Month events create local alliances between Army and LULAC as an extension of the two organizations' national partnership. Army was a key sponsor of LULAC's 81st Annual Convention and Exposition in July and will extend its work with LULAC to develop future leaders through its continued support of LULAC's National Education and Service Centers (LNESC) and the Washington Youth Leadership Seminar (WYLS).

In addition to its partnership with LULAC, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Army also will sponsor the annual conventions of the Hispanic Association of College and Universities (Sept. 18-20) and Great Minds in STEM (Oct. 7-10). At these conventions, Army representatives will meet with hundreds of students, educators, administrators and corporate representatives to discuss the educational and financial resources Army provides for college, as well as to explore new partnerships and strategies that ensure Hispanic youth have access to them.

The U.S. Army offers more tuition assistance and merit-based scholarships than any other organization in the U.S. In fiscal year 2009, the Army provided more than $285 million in ROTC scholarships for students to pursue their degrees at over 270 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Lastly, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Army will again serve as a key sponsor of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's (HHF) Youth Awards program to recognize outstanding Hispanic high school students across the nation. As the presenting sponsor of the program's Leadership Award, Army will recognize the academic achievements and community contributions made by some of the country's top students. Regional HHF Youth Awards events honoring these students kick-off in Sept. and run through Dec. 2010.

About the United States Army Accessions Command (USAAC)

The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Monroe, Va.

SOURCE U.S. Army