It is estimated that over two million Mexican – Americans have served in the U.S. armed forces since the Revolutionary War. Latinos have played a significant role in every major
conflict in American history, yet our contributions have often been overlooked or downplayed. This is especially true when it comes to the experiences of Mexican – American soldiers.
Recently, a growing effort has been made to document and preserve Mexican – American military history. These efforts are essential not only in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of Mexican – American soldiers but also to ensure that future generations understand the unique experiences of Latinos in the military.
One key aspect of this history is the experience of racism. Latinos have often been subjected to discriminatory treatment within the military, both from their fellow soldiers and the larger society. This has led many Latinos to feel isolated and excluded within the military.
Despite these challenges, Mexican – Americans have persevered and made invaluable contributions to the defense of our country. Their stories are essential to our nation’s history and deserve to be remembered and honored on Veterans Day.
A veteran is an individual who has served in the armed forces, typically during wartime. In the United States, veterans are often honored for their service and sacrifice, and many receive benefits such as healthcare and education. However, veterans of color often face unique challenges, including racism and discrimination. Latinos, for example, were not always allowed to serve in the military, and those who did were often subjected to brutal conditions and received little support from the government. As a result, many Latino veterans return home to find that they are not recognized or appreciated for their service. This can be a source of incredible frustration and even anger. However, organizations like the ACLU are working to change this by fighting for the rights of all veterans, regardless of race or ethnicity. With time and effort, it is hoped that all veterans will finally receive the recognition and support they deserve.
The five branches of the military are;
The Army land-based operations
Navy, sea-based operations
Marine Corps, both land and sea-based operations
Air Force, air operations
Coast Guard. coastal operations
Each branch has its specific roles and responsibilities. For example, the Army is responsible for land-based operations, while the Navy is responsible for sea-based operations. The Marine Corps is responsible for both land and sea-based operations. The Air Force is responsible for air operations, and the Coast Guard is responsible for coastal operations. Latinos have served in all five military branches and have played an essential role in American history. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Latinos have served with distinction in the military and have made significant contributions to the defense of our country.
The military’s mission is to defend the United States and its interests. This includes protecting the American people, our allies, and our way of life.
The military also works to maintain global stability and promote international security. In addition to these large-scale goals, the military also plays an essential role in defending individual Americans. For example, the military provides disaster relief when natural disasters strike and helps to protect American citizens overseas. The military also works to combat terrorism and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. In short, the military has many essential responsibilities to keeping America safe.
When looking at the history of Latinos in the United States military, it is clear that Latino soldiers have always had a strong presence dating back to the American Revolution. However, it was not until the 20th century that a Latino soldier gained prominence within the military ranks. This soldier was Puerto Rican native Enrique Garcia-Cano.
Garcia-Cano enlisted in the Army in 1918 and served with distinction during World War I. Following the war, Garcia-Cano remained in the Army and eventually rose to lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his career, Garcia-Cano was a vocal advocate for Hispanic soldiers and did much to raise awareness of the issues they faced. He was also an early pioneer in desegregating the military years before it would become official policy.
Garcia-Cano’s legacy continues today, and is widely regarded as one of the most important Hispanic soldiers in American history. His example has inspired many Latinos to enlist in the military and serve their country with pride. Thanks to men like Garcia-Cano, Latinos have played a vital role in defending America for generations.
Many of us Latinos view the Army as a way to escape poverty. For many, it is the only way to get an education and obtain good jobs. The Army has been a ticket out of poverty for many of us Latinos. It has allowed us to improve our lives and the lives of our families. This is why the Army is such an important institution for us Latinos. Unfortunately, however, we have also experienced racism within the Army. We have been discriminated against and treated like second-class citizens. This needs to change. The Army should be a place where everyone is treated equally and with respect. There is no room for racism in the Army or any other institution.
It is widely known that Latinos have been present in the Army since the Revolutionary War. However, what is not as well known is that Latinos have received high-ranking metals of honor from the president for their exemplary service. Latinos have received more of these metals than any other ethnic group. While it is impossible to know precisely how many Latinos have received these metals, it is clear that they have made a significant contribution to the Army. Moreover, it is worth noting that many of these Latinos were immigrants who did not even speak English when they enlisted. Yet, despite their challenges, they went on to serve their country with distinction.
The murder of Vanessa Guillén took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas. This tragedy highlights how Latinos experience racism and violence in the military. Guillén was a young woman of color who was sexually harassed and then murdered when she tried to report the harassment, but no one listened. Her case is sadly not unique; Latinas in the military are disproportionately targeted for sexual assault and harassment. They also experience racism and discrimination within the ranks. These problems are compounded by the fact that Latinx soldiers are often stationed in communities where they face linguistic and cultural barriers. The murder of Vanessa Guillén is a tragic reminder of the systemic problems facing Latinx soldiers in the U.S. Military.
When I first heard about the disappearance of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread. As a Latina woman, I know the dangers of being a minority in America. We are disproportionately targeted by police violence and hate crimes, and our voices are often ignored or disbelieved. Sadly, Guillén’s story is all too familiar. She was a young woman of color who was taken advantage of as a victim of racism and sexism. And when she spoke out, she was ignored and ridiculed. Her brutal murder is a tragic reminder of the dangers that minorities face in this country. But it is also a call to action. We must continue to fight for justice for Vanessa Guillén and all victims of racism and sexism in America. We must also work to create lasting change so that no one else has to suffer the same fate. We can only achieve this by coming together and speaking out against injustice. Only then will we be able to create a more just and equitable society for everyone. If you’re feeling called to action after learning about Vanessa Guillén, here are some ways you can get involved:
Donate to Vanessa Guillén’s family
https://www.gofundme.com/f/vanessa-guillen-family-fund
Sign the Justice for Vanessa Guillen petition
https://act.credoaction.com/sign/justice-vanessa-guillem?t=9&akid=41675%2E3291973%2EFgGB7C
Share her story
The more people know about what happened to Vanessa Guillén, the more pressure we can put on lawmakers to take action. So share her story on social media, with your friends and family, or anywhere else.
Educate yourself and others about military sexual trauma
To prevent something like this from happening again, we must educate ourselves and others about the prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST). MST is a severe problem in the military, and it’s something that needs to be addressed head-on. You can learn more about MST here: https://rainn.org/article/military-sexual-trauma
The death of Vanessa Guillén is a tragedy that has deeply affected the Latino community. But it’s also an important moment for us to come together and demand change. Let’s honor her memory by continuing to fight for justice and working to create a more just world for everyone.”
It is estimated that there are currently over 18 million veterans in the United States. These men and women have sacrificed their time, energy, and safety to protect our country and its citizens. They have served in wars and conflicts worldwide, often risking their lives. Veterans have also been essential to our country’s history, pivotal in shaping its identity and values. As we commemorate Veterans Day, we must find creative ways to thank these individuals for their service.
One way to show appreciation for veterans is to learn about their experiences. Many veterans have faced tremendous challenges during service, including racism, sexism, and discrimination. These experiences can help us understand veterans’ sacrifices for our country. It can also allow us to appreciate the diversity of our country’s military.
Another way to thank veterans is to support them when they return home from service. Many veterans struggle with mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. They may also have difficulty finding employment or affordable housing. Several organizations assist veterans, and supporting these organizations can be a great way to show your appreciation for their service.
Finally, one of the best ways to thank veterans is to express gratitude. This can be done in person or through a handwritten note or letter. Taking the time to express your thanks can go a long way in showing appreciation to all veterans and what they have done for our country.
By Diane Revilla
