Page 8 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 11-6-15

8 High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
November 6, 2015

Army Values

Family sacrifices help define heritage

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena

Public Affairs Office Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Rodriguez of 2916th Aviation Battalion, 916th Support Brigade,
spoke at the Fort Irwin 2015 Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration, Sept. 30.
National Training Center and Fort Irwin leadership, Soldiers and community members
celebrated Hispanic American Heritage Month at a ceremony here, Sept. 30. See FAMILY, page 9

The nation and the Army recognizes the observance from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and this year’s
theme is “Hispanic Americans: Energizing our Nation’s Diversity.”

At the celebration, a battalion command sergeant major related his personal and family ex-
periences in defining the term Hispanic, and whether he considers himself that classification.

In his opening remarks, guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Rodriguez of 2916th
Aviation Battalion, 916th Support Brigade, stated a question he asked himself when preparing
for his presentation: Am I a Hispanic?

He researched the definition of Hispanic and discovered it included speaking the Spanish
language. Because he doesn’t, he explored his past further and learned his mother did not
teach him Spanish, so he wouldn’t have an accent and have to experience racism as she did
growing up in Oxnard, Calif.

Rodriguez said he also grew up in Oxnard and had a fairly normal childhood. His mother,
however, told him of water fountains and restaurants for whites only when she was a child.
She also told him about the Mexican side of the Oxnard public library.

Rodriguez also explained in the late 1930’s the Repatriation Act deported American citizens
of Mexican descent, because they were taking jobs from “real Americans.”

“So what is a real American?” Rodriguez asked. “I would offer that one definition would
be an individual who fought and died for this great country.”

The senior non-commissioned officer stated two uncles fought and died in World War II
and the Vietnam War. His mother’s brother, U.S. Army Pfc. Tino Acevedo, received a Purple

7 Color Choices SALES, NEW, CERTIFIED, PRE-OWNED
PARTS, SERVICE, DETAIL & BODY SHOP
ăɁnjŘƙ³Ɂ˸ƬʊƬŘǜŘȭƞõƬƋǚǔȭƬʁˎ Why Buy from Rancho Motor Company?

$899.99 Our Price Match Guarantee:
-We’ll match any advertised price on any New Like-MSRP vehicle in stock from any
4 Color Choices Southern California Chevy or Cadillac Dealer*
Our selection of award winning vehicles
THE FURNITURE OUTLET - Come see one of our knowledgeable sales consultants and learn more about it
Furniture, Appliances, Custom Blinds Our huge inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles in stock
- New Chevrolet & Cadillac cars, trucks, and SUV’s Certified Pre-Owned and
256-2832Financing & Delivery Available! Standard Pre-Owned, over 400 vehicles in stock!
740 W. Main St., Barstow Our newly remodeled facility
No other discounts apply to this special. - Completed in December 2014, our showroom, service and parts facility are a site to see
Our Service, Parts and Detail Center
- Open 6 days a week, M-F 7a-7p and Sa 8a-4p, Su closed
Our Body Center
- We come to you, free estimates, rentals available. All makes/models
Our Community Service
- We are proud to sponsor many local events, chambers of commerce and local charitable clubs
Our History
- Serving the community since 1971, we are a third generation family owned and operated dealer

www.RanchoMotorCo.com

Call 888-220-4278 15425 DOS PALMAS ROAD, VICTORVILLE
PALMDALE ROAD EXIT I-15
*See dealer for details or visit our website for full information on Price Match Guarantee

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil