RICHMOND, Va. –
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed yearly from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories.
In observance of 2023’s Hispanic Heritage Month, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation will feature employees of Hispanic heritage to appear in spotlights.
Name: Juan Carlos Gachet
Job title: Contracting Specialist
Organization: Joint Commodities/Instrumentation Division, Supplier Operations Directorate, DLA Aviation
How long have you worked for DLA? 8 years
Please describe your job in a sentence or two. I manage the pre-award and award phases of long-term contracts for the procurement of parts belonging to military aircraft to include the U.S. Air Force’s C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Hercules, the Army’s CH-47 Chinook, and the Navy’s CH-53 Sea Stallion and H-60 Seahawk helicopters.
How do you support the warfighter? I support the warfighter by providing efficient global logistical support, thus ensuring their aircraft fly safely anywhere in the world.
The theme for this Hispanic Heritage Month in 2023 is “Todos Somos, Somos Uno – We Are All, We Are One." In your words, briefly explain what this means to you? This theme means we are part of many Latino cultures, but one Hispanic culture that contributes to a way of life and freedom within the United States.
Tell us something unique about your heritage or country of origin. I was born in Quito, Ecuador, a city that sits high in the Andes mountains. Quito was founded by the Spanish in 1534 and still is one of the most intact examples of colonial architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.
Quito is also known as, Quito Luz de América, which translates to Quito Light of the Americas. This is because the first cry for independence from the Spanish crown took place in Quito on August 10, 1809, an event that marked the beginning of a rebellion that led to the Spanish-American War.
I would also like to share an Ecuadorian tradition to end each year called Año Viejo - or old year. Families build a figure using old clothes stuffed with sawdust and a mask to represent something negative from the old year. At the stroke of midnight, the figure is set ablaze with our hopes for the bad to fade with the old year and festivities begin as people embrace, dance around, and jump over the bonfires to celebrate the new year.
What is one thing you'd like others to know about your heritage? The traditional brimmed straw Panama hat, or toquilla, originated in Ecuador. It was used in Panama in the 18th century and later made popular when recognized by travelers from the United States, thus acquiring its name.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the Hispanic community’s contribution to U.S. culture through politics, economic growth, and by the diversity of Hispanics who come from all over the Americas. It also represents the importance to preserve our language and traditions, so our future generations know their heritage and the sacrifices we made in the pursuit of happiness, liberty, and a better future.