Air Force Reservists engage youth at LULAC

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rebecca Garcia
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --  U.S. Air Force Reservists recently supported the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) convention and exposition in Albuquerque, N.M., July 13 to 17.

This year's convention was held in conjunction with a Federal Training Institute program that offered a variety of educational seminars and workshops aimed at education, advancement in federal employment.

Reservists attended all of the outreach events and a number of workshops, which were focused on community awareness and education. The Reserve personnel, with recruiters, also manned a recruiting booth at the exposition.

The Air Force Reserve has been involved in outreach at LULAC events since 1999. Since the Air Force Reserve became involved in outreach at LULAC events in 1999, the number of Hispanics in the Air Force Reserve has nearly doubled to 9.6 percent, said Master Sgt. Rodney Hage, Air Force Reserve Command functional for diversity.

"We believe that community awareness of the Air Force Reserve mission and career possibilities has been greatly enhanced [in the Hispanic community] since beginning our involvement with LULAC," said Sergeant Hage.

LULAC hosted a variety of events at the convention which specifically highlighted Hispanic culture and achievements. These events included: a diversity luncheon; Veteran's recognition breakfast; Armed Forces awards breakfast; Unity Luncheon and young adults luncheon.

Speaking at the veteran's recognition breakfast was Gen.(ret.) Ricardo Sanchez, U.S. Army, who offered words of inspiration regarding service to country and the achievements of Hispanic Americans in the military.

"I firmly embrace the notion that there is no greater call than the 'call to duty,'" said Gen. Sanchez. "It is the duty of every American to serve our country in time of need."

LULAC is one of the most active civil rights advocate groups in the U.S. and holds an annual convention aimed at outreach to Latin American students and young Latino professionals.

The main goal of Reserve attendance at the conference was to educate youth about creating a successful career path and the types of behavior that can self-eliminate an individual from certain career fields.

"Look out for your people. That's what the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) is all about," said Capt. Brent Page, manager of the HRDC and Reserve diversity program. "Let's be good wingmen."