A Soldier Reflects Upon His Heritage And What It Means to Celebrate it

By Spc. Abbygail Heinen

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually, provides an opportunity to honor Hispanic Americans serving in all branches of the military. This includes one Minnesota National Guard soldier: Sgt. Steven Perez, an air defense management system operator assigned to Alpha Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls.” Steven sees National Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to reconnect with his heritage and reflect on his family’s journey.

“Listening to music my grandpa used to play, classic 1940s Mexican music, offers me the opportunity to feel connected with my family even from so far away,” said Steven, who is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, which includes the Middle East, as well as Central and South Asia. “It’s like a bridge back to my family.”

Steven believes that knowing and celebrating one’s heritage allows individuals to create a deeper connection with their families. National Hispanic Heritage Month also allows him the space to recognize and reflect on the sacrifices his parents made to provide their family with a better life.

At 25, Steven has achieved several personal milestones. Not only is he a skilled electrician who plans to transition into software development in the near future, he was also recently promoted to sergeant. Steven credits the military with shaping him into the person he is today.

"The military has given me an opportunity to learn from mistakes,” Steven said. “Now as a sergeant, I have the opportunity to mentor my team. But I’m also learning how to lean on my leaders and ask questions when I need help.”

Steven appreciates the military’s supportive environment, where individuals in various stages of life provide guidance and advice.

“There is always someone around to help,” he stated. “For anyone stepping into leadership, my advice is simple — ask questions, and even if you have to fake confidence at first, that confidence will eventually become real.”

As National Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Steven takes time to thank his father for the sacrifices he made, ensuring a brighter future for their family. This observance serves as a reminder to Steven, and many others, of the importance of heritage and the role family plays in shaping lives.

How the USO is There for Deployed Soldiers Like Steven

With Steven being deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East as part of the Red Bulls division, it may be easy for him to experience the same sentiment that other soldiers may have who are far from home and family. The feeling of being neglected and forgotten, as well as limited contact with loved ones.

Thankfully, the USO continues to find new ways to be there for service members stationed in undisclosed locations. As a military support organization, we have increased our efforts for the people who serve in austere environments that leave them faced with limited day-to-day resources, including ways to relax outside of their everyday military duties. From the delivery of USO Care Packages and meals, to surprising service members with their favorite treats, activities and entertainment, this temporary relief can aid in boosting service members’ morale.

And it’s these morale boosts that remain crucial to these members of the military community during lengthy deployments, not only to ensure military readiness, but also to express gratitude for their service – especially since more than a third of military community members see time away from family as a top issue.

To help bridge the gap between home and deployment, service members can also turn to the USO Reading Program, where they are given the opportunity to virtually connect with their children back home for story time.

The USO also hosts cultural celebrations to bring not just home to deployed service members, but also traditions that they are likely missing when in a new and unfamiliar environment and culture. With every cultural dish, song and dance, the USO aims to adapt each of their locations to meet the needs of service members from different cultures and walks of life.

Regardless of where their mission takes them, service members around the world know that with the help of the USO, they will remain supported and in good hands thanks to our generous supporters who support the USO’s mission of lifting their spirits and keeping them connected to home.

-This story was originally published on DVIDShub.net. It has been edited and expanded upon for USO.org.