HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Hispanic Heritage Month is the time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observance was initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, but was lengthened by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from Sept. 15. to Oct. 15. 

Hispanic Americans have played an important role in shaping America, our communities and our military forces. The influence of the Hispanic culture is reflected in everyday America, from the arts, to music and television. Hispanic Americans serve as leaders in government, law, business, science, sports, arts, and our military. Hispanic Americans have also served our country well since the founding of our nation. Hispanic Americans have fought in every war, and many have earned the Medal of Honor. 

This year's theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now," submitted by Jorge Ponce, Director of the Policy and Evaluation Division at the office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Commerce. His winning theme phrase was actually used once before by the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his landmark "I Have a Dream" speech. 

At this point, I have to chuckle a little here because I am thinking ahead to the African / Black American History Observance in February, I would have like to use this quote from Dr. MLK. Perhaps DEOMI, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, will select a quote from a famous Hispanic for that month instead. 

In any event, here at Hickam, Chief Master Sgt. Moreno-Almeida is the chairman for this EO special observance this year, and he promised several fun filled events for all:
1. Arts and Crafts Display - Base Library, 15-Sept to 15 Oct.
2. Hispanic Luncheon - buffet style with music and key note speaker, Mari Villa, President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii -Oct. 9, 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Officer's Club. The cost is $17.10 per person, $15.10 if you are a club member, e-mail Chief Moreno-Almeida or call 449-0750.
3. Latin Fiesta Day - Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 pm. At the Hickam Community Center, face painting for kids, Hispanic potluck from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. E-mail Staff Sgt. John.Ocasio@hickam.af.mil.
4. Outrigger Event - Oct. 16, 7 to 9 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Marina. Enjoy the scenic harbor and canoe paddling as a team, no experience necessary. Cost is $5 per person (it includes juice, fruit and paddling equipment). Due to a limited number of instructors, the first 75 persons who register get to ride in the canoe, so please sign up early. E-mail Chief Moreno-Almeida or call 449-0750.