Red, White and Brown Pride
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador
It is no secret that Latinos make up a significant portion of the US military. They are in all branches of the military and some even hold high-ranking positions. Though Latinos impact to the US military is immeasurable, their contribution can be dated back hundreds of years.
Traces of Latinos aiding the US military can be traced back to the American Revolutionary War when then governor of Spanish Lousiana Bernardo de Galvez provided soldiers to the revolutionary army. Over 4,000 of those Spanish soldiers died while prisoners of war on English prison ships in New York Harbor, in the American War of Independence.
During the American Civil War, Latinos fought along side the Union as well as the Confederacy. While fighting for the Confederacy, Latinos fought in the Benavides Regiments, commanded by Colonel Santos Benavides, and in the 10th Texas Cavalry, commanded by Major Leonides M. Martin in Texas. The also fought in Alabama, Missouri and South Carolina. Several also served in New Mexico for the Union.
Approximately 500,000 Latinos served in World War II. In the European Theater, Hispanics of the 36th Infantry Division from Texas, were some of the first American troops to land on Italian soil at Salerno and suffered heavy casualties during the controversial crossing of the Rapido River near Cassino Italy. The 88th Infantry Division, composed mostly of draftees from the southwestern states, was ranked in the top 10 for combat effectiveness and earned the highest praise from their German adversaries after the war. The 2nd Armored Division was active in the African as well as the campaign throughout Europe in World War II. There were a great number of Hispanics in the 2nd.
While in Vietnam, the US armed forces consisted of 80,000 Latino and accounted for 25 percent of casualties.
Today there are many Latinos serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them are documented. According to www.americantaino.com, 46 percent of Latinos say they have a friend or family member who is serving or has served in Iraq.
However, many Latinos and Latino veterans are working together to help out those who have returned from these wars adjust to life back in the states.
Latinos, especially students, can find help by visiting Web sites' such as www.brownpride.us, and by searching for grants and scholarships for veterans.
In San Jose, American G.I. Forum will celebrate it 50th anniversary on Saturday November 7 at Unify Hall at 765 Story Rd.
El Observador
It is no secret that Latinos make up a significant portion of the US military. They are in all branches of the military and some even hold high-ranking positions. Though Latinos impact to the US military is immeasurable, their contribution can be dated back hundreds of years.
Traces of Latinos aiding the US military can be traced back to the American Revolutionary War when then governor of Spanish Lousiana Bernardo de Galvez provided soldiers to the revolutionary army. Over 4,000 of those Spanish soldiers died while prisoners of war on English prison ships in New York Harbor, in the American War of Independence.
During the American Civil War, Latinos fought along side the Union as well as the Confederacy. While fighting for the Confederacy, Latinos fought in the Benavides Regiments, commanded by Colonel Santos Benavides, and in the 10th Texas Cavalry, commanded by Major Leonides M. Martin in Texas. The also fought in Alabama, Missouri and South Carolina. Several also served in New Mexico for the Union.
Approximately 500,000 Latinos served in World War II. In the European Theater, Hispanics of the 36th Infantry Division from Texas, were some of the first American troops to land on Italian soil at Salerno and suffered heavy casualties during the controversial crossing of the Rapido River near Cassino Italy. The 88th Infantry Division, composed mostly of draftees from the southwestern states, was ranked in the top 10 for combat effectiveness and earned the highest praise from their German adversaries after the war. The 2nd Armored Division was active in the African as well as the campaign throughout Europe in World War II. There were a great number of Hispanics in the 2nd.
While in Vietnam, the US armed forces consisted of 80,000 Latino and accounted for 25 percent of casualties.
Today there are many Latinos serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them are documented. According to www.americantaino.com, 46 percent of Latinos say they have a friend or family member who is serving or has served in Iraq.
However, many Latinos and Latino veterans are working together to help out those who have returned from these wars adjust to life back in the states.
Latinos, especially students, can find help by visiting Web sites' such as www.brownpride.us, and by searching for grants and scholarships for veterans.
In San Jose, American G.I. Forum will celebrate it 50th anniversary on Saturday November 7 at Unify Hall at 765 Story Rd.
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