FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Editor’s Note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In honor of Hispanics’ contributions to the agency’s global mission, DLA is highlighting Hispanic Americans who work daily to provide logistics support to America’s warfighters and other federal customers.
My name is: Army Sgt. First Class Mauricio Gonzalez Arriola
I am: The noncommissioned officer in charge in the Defense Logistics Agency’s Agency Synchronization and Operations Center.
Describe your job in a sentence: I ensure all ASOC personnel meet training and security requirements, daily operations are successfully completed, and enable battle captains and liaison officers to complete their tasks.
How long have you worked at DLA? Since March 2019.
What is your favorite thing about working for DLA? One of the best things about working in DLA is that it’s a joint assignment and as an active-duty soldier, this is a very valuable experience. From learning the other services’ rank structures and how they think to understanding the differences in each service’s senior noncommissioned officer roles provides an incomparable experience to any other assignment.
What are your best memories of working here? Before COVID-19, one of my best memories here was leading joint service physical training in DLA Logistics Operations with [Air Force] Maj. Gen. Allan Day; it was the best way to start the day. It taught me and others how different services train to stay fit.
How do you make a difference? By bringing the experience of an Army senior noncommissioned officer into an agency that is very civilian-centric.
What is one thing you’d like others to know about your heritage? There is a difference between Hispanic and Latino. Hispanics are all the Spanish-speaking countries and Latino are the countries in Latin America. For example, Brazilians are Latino but not Hispanic because they speak Portuguese, and Spanish people or Spaniards are Hispanic but not Latino because they speak Spanish.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? A lot of people get lost in what the media portrays as Hispanic culture. Enjoying Mexican food is not understanding my culture; understanding my family values and upbringing is.