U.S. Army Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month with Focus on Service and Leadership

FORT KNOX, Ky., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), the U.S. Army will recognize the Latino community and commemorate the contributions of the more than one million Hispanics who proudly served – and continue to serve – in our nation's defense. Hispanic Americans have a long history of service in the U.S. military dating back to the American Revolution. That legacy includes 43 Hispanic recipients of the Medal of Honor, the country's highest military decoration.

To honor this tradition of service, the Army works with a host of Hispanic advocacy and educational organizations to develop the next generation of Latino leaders. From September through November, the Army will partner with key Hispanic organizations to support national and local programs that expand academic and career opportunities for Hispanic youth, preparing them for success in civilian or military service.

In partnership with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Army will provide educational resources, academic training and leadership development for community leaders, educators and students across the country. Event cities include Chicago, Dallas, El Paso, Texas, Houston, Miami, Newark, N.J., San Antonio, Texas, and Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

At conventions, workshops and seminars, Army representatives will also share information regarding the more than 150 career opportunities available within the Army and the more than $250 million in tuition assistance and merit-based Army ROTC scholarships available at more than 271 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These events include:

• LULAC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar (Sept. 28-Oct. 2)
• Great Minds in STEM annual HENAAC conference (Oct. 6-8)
• U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute Student Conference and Career Fairs (Oct. 7-8, Oct. 20-22, Nov. 3-5)
• LULAC National Education Service Centers Youth Education Partnership (Oct. 7, Oct. 14)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers national conference (Oct. 26-30)
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities annual conference (Oct. 29-31)
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities College Tour at the University of Texas San Antonio (week of Nov. 7)

In culmination of these activities, the Army will host Hispanic Heritage Month receptions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, (Oct. 13) and Washington, D.C., (Oct. 20) where past, present and future Hispanic soldiers, along with key civilian partners, will be recognized for their dedication to service and leadership. Guests will include national civic and business leaders as well as community advocates. The receptions will also feature Army Latin ensembles and additional pageantry.

About U.S. 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 18,391 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.

SOURCE U.S. Army Accessions Command