2007 Hispanic Festival

During this year’s Hispanic Observance MSG Alina Wright coordinated several activities to educate, increase awareness and have fun in honoring the Hispanic “Latino” heritage that is growing rapidly here in Vermont.  During the busy October drills for the 158th Fighter Wing and the Joint Force Headquarters two workshops and an after hours dance were scheduled.

Saturday afternoon at the Air Base Chapel classroom Mr. Andres Camilo, a Junior in St Michael College gave a brief on the “Challenges and successes of young Latinos in the USA”.  Several Guard members attended to include representatives from Recruiting.  Andres is the president of the Diversity Coalition at St. Michael’s College that serves to educate and promote awareness of issues such as gender, race, religion, and ethnicity.  The Coalition believes diverse perspectives aid the individual with a new sensitivity, awareness, and understanding for a global community.  His talk prompted questions pertaining to immigration, cultural differences among the Hispanic race and how to market the military to young Hispanics beginning their independence with ties to family and culture that sometimes hold them back from joining.

The ZUMBA Fitness Team provided a fun and exhausting work out for the few brave guard members who joined in.  The Latino Music spilling into the halls of the ANG Headquarters building attracted more on lookers then participants.  TSgt Heather Powell would love an opportunity to do a ZUMBA class as part of the P.T. program, “it’s a great and fun workout”.  The demonstration was held in the Base Chapel Room, just outside the Wing Commanders Office.  COL Bradley Jensen, Vice Air Commander, didn’t hesitate at all to reap the benefits of an on-site vigorous workout.  For more information about ZUMBA fitness contact Deana Rock, www.vtzumba.com cell 802-310-6686.

The National Guard Annual Salsa Central Dance was held off base at the Harvest Moon Banquet Room in Essex.  The Cultural Diversity Enhancement Team (CDET) purposely chose the off-site location as a means to attract more local Hispanics and provide a neutral meeting place for the Joint Force it serves.  The location turned out to be a contributing factor to the low turn out.  MSG Wright reported many of the Latinos began showing up later in the evening and had trouble finding the place.  Although Susie Wilson Road may be a land mark for locals, many of the College Students were not familiar with the road or the banquet hall. 

The VTNG Leadership attended in full force ready for the Annual Hispanic Dance Contest.  MG Michael Dubie and his wife Amy were among the first to arrive.  MG Dubie was quickly escorted on the dance floor by Ms. Luisa Wright who fluidly swayed to the Latino Sounds played by Jose Moran.  VTARNG Inspector General, LTC Louis Bello and the State Facilities Officer, LTC Robert Gingras were readily available as dance contest judges as well as the Air National Guard Senior Commanders, COL Phillip Murdock and COL Bradley Jensen.

The food table had loads of rice/fish, tortillas chips and the beverage bar provided Margaritas, beer and soda for the festive quest.  CDET Committee Chair, CW2 Doris Sumner points out the purpose of the events is targeted for Guard members who are not of Hispanic descent to increase their awareness and appreciation, but also to interact with the fast growing Hispanic population that we want to recruit from.  Although she was disappointed with the number of guest who were unable to attend she stated, “There were lesson’s learned and assignments posted to improve next years event”.

If you have any feedback, comments or suggestion please contact CW2 Doris Sumner, State Equal Employment Manager, (802) 338-3148 or email doris.sumner@us.army.mil.  MSG Alina Wright is the Hispanic Employment Program Manger, (802) 338-3351 or alina.wright@vtburl.ang.af.mil