Luncheon provides taste of heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a luncheon Oct. 25 at Chapel 2.

The Air Force annually celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to recognize the independence of various Latin American countries and celebrate the cultural influence of Hispanics in the United States.

"The military is culturally diverse, and Team Tyndall is no different," said Senior Airman Sasha Alejandro, 325th Force Support Squadron force management technician. "We wanted to highlight the importance of this month by bringing our community into our kitchen to enjoy the flavors of our Hispanic heritage, while educating and recognizing everyday Hispanic Americans."

According to Air Force Personnel Center's demographics from Sept. 30, Hispanics make-up 12.5 percent of the Air Force active duty forces in the United States.

"Here at Tyndall, we have Hispanics in every rank and leadership position," said Chaplain Maj. Gabriel Rios, 325th Fighter Wing Protestant chaplain.

Volunteers brought homemade ethnic foods and helped serve the guests at the luncheon.

"We asked for volunteers who were proud of their heritage and could help make this is a success and that's exactly what we got," Airman Alejandro said. "We had a motivated group with the same aspirations and goals to highlight our Hispanic heritage."

More than 150 people attended the luncheon including wing leadership, Chaplain Rios said.

"The turnout was absolutely amazing," Airman Alejandro said. "We had a variety of delicious food ranging from Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Mexican and Peruvian, which were complimented by the sounds and rhythms of our Hispanic heritage."

Airman Alejandro is working toward organizing a Hispanic committee to be up and running by early next year.

Anyone interested in being involved can contact, Airman Alejandro at 850-523-4783.