Home : SSI Media : National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage MonthFrom September 15 to October 15, the DoD celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich history, tradition, and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino Americans. This observance honors inspirational Americans who trace their origin or descent to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” embodies the innovative and resilient spirit of the Hispanic community. It highlights the unity that has been instrumental in forging a path for future generations. The theme is exemplified by the lives of three distinguished individuals: Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a U.S. Medal of Honor recipient whose acts of valor went beyond the call of duty; U.S. Navy Capt. Mery-Angela Sanabria Katson, whose mentorship has been a beacon of leadership and inspiration; and Private First Class Roberto Clemente, a Major League Baseball legend whose sportsmanship and dedication to community service continue to inspire. These individuals represent the myriad ways in which Hispanic/Latino Americans have contributed to and enriched our society.

The DoD encourages both organizations and individuals to engage with their local Hispanic/Latino communities in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Together, we can foster a culture of excellence that embraces our common aspiration to build a more harmonious future for all.

Past Celebrations

Ruthy Muñoz is an Army veteran, freelance journalist, and linguist. Ruthy’s work has been published in “The War Horse”, and “Reuters”. She is also a freelance contributor for global travel publication, Skift, focusing on airlines coverage.

Maritza Rivera is an Army veteran and poet. Maritza is the author of About You, a collection of poetry; A Mother’s War, written during her son’s two tours in Iraq; and Baker’s Dozen, a limited edition in the Brazilian Cordel tradition created for the 2013 Seeing Food art exhibit in Silver Spring, MD.

Efrain Hernandez Jr. is deputy national security editor for “The Washington Post”. Before joining “The Washington Post”, Efrain worked for the “Los Angeles Times”, where had a distinguished career on Metro, National and Foreign desks. Efrain, who joined the Times in 1994, covered Los Angeles as a general assignment reporter with stints focusing on neighborhoods, federal and local courts, and City Hall before becoming a deputy Metro editor. In 2008, he took a role as an editor on the foreign desk, and in 2015 he became an editor on the merged Foreign and National desks, where he most recently has helped manage coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Maximilian Uriarte is a Marine Corps veteran, author, and filmmaker. Maximilian is the author of New York Times bestseller The White Donkey, and Battle Born. While still on active duty, he created the hit webcomic “Terminal Lance” in 2010, which became a viral success as well as the most popular comic strip in the United States military.