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News | Oct. 5, 2017

Distribution celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs

DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, along with DLA Distribution’s Multicultural Committee, celebrated the culture, traditions and history of Hispanic Heritage Month with a program held on Wednesday, Sept. 20. This year’s theme, chosen by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Managers is: “Hispanic Americans: Energizing Our Nation’s Diversity.”

DLA Distribution Susquehanna commander, Army Col. Brad Eungard welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a brief synopsis on the history of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“American’s observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 to celebrate the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America,” explained Eungard. “At DDSP we spend a lot of time emphasizing the great diversity of our team, celebrating our differences and growing stronger because of them.” 

Eungard then introduced the keynote speaker, DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s 1st Sgt. Maximo Nunez. “1st Sgt. Nunez has been the DDSP 1st Sgt. for nearly two months.  As you can see in your program he has rocketed through the ranks and taken the hardest assignments in service to our great nation.”

Nunez began his presentation by thanking everyone for attending, and expressing what an honor it is to serve as DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s 1st Sgt., as well as guest speaker for the event.

Nunez explained the importance of the United States to Hispanic Americans. “Hispanics and Hispanic-Americans still look at the United States of America as the great beacon of hope; the land of opportunity; and a place where anyone with determination, self-discipline and hard work can achieve their goals.”

He went on to say “Hispanic Americans not only embrace America and its culture but we also bring our own traditions, culture, language, values, work ethic and ideals to the great American table.”

Hispanics today form the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States. Numbering at about 55 million, they make up the second largest minority in the nation, African Americans being the largest. About 60 percent of these Hispanics trace their origin to Mexico.

The event concluded with a medley of songs from different Hispanic countries played by Dante Sobrevilla.