The numbers were even greater for the wars in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). According to the National Institutes of Health, over 1.9 million U.S. military personnel deployed to these theaters of war between 2001 and 2021. Latinos comprised at least 10% of these servicemen and women. American Patriotism What has motivated so many men and women of Latino descent to fight for the United States? For many the cause has been patriotism. As with many minority groups throughout American history, military service has provided a demonstrable way to prove someone’s commitment to, and belief in, ideals such as freedom and democracy that have made the United States the unique and indispensable nation in world history.
In a letter that was written shortly before he was killed, U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta wrote to his brother Ricardo and told him, “You should be proud of being an American. Our father came to this country and became a citizen because it was the right place for our family to be. If anything happens to me, just remember I’ve already lived my life to the fullest.”
U.S. Army Captain Jennifer Moreno Memorial, 2013 (Photo courtesy © Joint Base San Antonio, Dept of Defense)
Like Captain Moreno, other Latinos have had a long and proud tradition of military service in the United States since the Revolutionary War through military engagements in the Middle East. According to the U.S. Army, “Approximately 20,000 Hispanic servicemen and women participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. This earlier conflict was triggered by the invasion of Kuwait by the Iraqi Army. They comprised 4.2 % of the Army representation in the Persian Gulf Theater during the war.”
U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta (Photo courtesy © U.S. Department of the Navy)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 7 – Notables Chapter 9 – Proudly We Serve
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