Crewmembers of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound honored National Hispanic Heritage Month on October 12, with authentic cuisine, prepared by unit members and music. Chief Warrant Officer Rachael Leask presented an informative lecture featuring a discussion on Hispanic affinity groups and a historical segment on heroic Hispanics servings in the Coast Guard.

“It is important to honor our heritage and to highlight the role that many brave Hispanic men and women have played in our service’s rich heritage,” said Lt. Sarah Janaro, the chairman of the Sector’s Leadership, Excellence and Diversity Council that put the event together.

“I was thrilled to see all of the participation and interest from our unit members at this event,” said Leask. “Our officer, enlisted, and civilian workforce all came together to recognize the contributions of our Hispanic members.”

The heritage event ended with Petty Officer Miguel Espinosa sharing his inspirational personal story of the road his family took getting to the United States and how he ended up serving in the Coast Guard.

“I was happy to share my personal story with my shipmates as an example of the circuitous route that some of us have taken to serve our country in the United States Coast Guard,” said Espinosa. “I’m extremely proud of both my Hispanic heritage and of my service to the United States.”

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.