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Airmen celebrate Hispanic cultures

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn R.C. Reaves
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Hispanic Organization for Latin Appreciation hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month finale Oct. 12.

Approximately 100 Team Shaw members gathered for a potluck lunch of Hispanic foods such as empanadas, tacos and rice with pigeon peas, and listened to cultural music to celebrate the end of the observance month which ran from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Throughout the month, HOLA members also hosted Spanish classes and Bachata-style dance classes.

These events helped Airmen broaden their horizons by learning about different cultures, said Staff Sgt. Joseph Colón-Torres, HOLA president and 20th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. They also allowed participants the opportunity to share their own culture and background with friends and coworkers. 

This event also meant something more to Colón-Torres on an individual level.

“I personally haven’t been home [for] three years now, so it helps me personally comfort myself from being homesick,” said Colón-Torres, who is from Puerto Rico.

As Team Shaw Airmen work together to support the various missions of the base, they solidify their understanding of each other by sharing their cultures and backgrounds to foster unit cohesion.

“The biggest thing I think [participants] should take away from it is that a lot of different backgrounds help make the nation what we are today, and Hispanics are part of that,” said Staff Sgt. Israel Ortiz, HOLA member and 20th Civil Engineer Squadron structural supervisor. “Being able to celebrate [all] heritages and cultures allows us to express ourselves as individuals and shine a light on that for everyone else to enjoy.”