ALCOAST 355/24 - SEP 2024 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH - CELEBRATING PIONEERS OF CHANGE

R 131822Z SEP 24 MID120001385172U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 355/24
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH - CELEBRATING PIONEERS OF CHANGE
1. National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from
September 15th to October 15th, celebrates the rich culture,
history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The theme for
this year's observance is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future
Together," which celebrates past and present Hispanic trailblazers
who drive positive change for a more inclusive future.
2. This month and throughout the year, the United States Coast Guard
is proud to honor this heritage by recognizing the invaluable
accomplishments of our Hispanic workforce. The Service is enriched
by the diversity of its personnel, with approximately 8,000 total
workforce members who trace their roots to Hispanic or Latino
origins. These individuals have not only advanced the Coast Guard's
mission but also contributed to the formation and strength of our
Nation. Maria Mestre de los Dolores Andreu became the first Hispanic
American woman to command a federal shore installation when she
became the keeper of St. Augustine Lighthouse in 1859 after the
death of her husband, the previous lighthouse keeper. In September
1919, Boatswain's Mate Pablo Valent and Surfman Indalecio Lopez
helped rescue the crew of the hurricane-damaged schooner Cape Horn.
For their heroic efforts, Valent and Lopez were the first Hispanic
Americans to be awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal and the
prestigious Grand Cross of the American Cross of Honor Society.
Rear Admiral Joseph "Pepe" Castillo was the first Hispanic American
district commander of the Eleventh District following his tenure as
the 8th District Chief of Operations in New Orleans, where he was
instrumental inleading the Coast Guard's rescue and evacuation of
over 33,500 people following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
3. The contributions of Hispanic Americans in the Coast Guard are
not only a reflection of their dedication and professionalism, but
also of their resilience and leadership. Hispanic service members
have served and continue to serve in critical roles across various
Coast Guard missions where their influence extends beyond their
operational duties to being mentors and role models in the
communities that they serve. This month, I encourage you to
participate in special observances that celebrate Hispanic heritage,
and to embrace learning about the important contributions of
Hispanic Americans that have paved the way toward creating a
Coast Guard where all feel safe, welcome, supported, and valued.
4. You can learn more about the culture and contributions of
Hispanic Americans by visiting the following links:
(Copy and Paste URLs Below into Browser)

https://www.archives.gov/research/hispanic

https://www.defenseculture.mil/Special-Observances/#national-
hispanic-heritage-month

https://latino.si.edu/learn/latino-history-and-culture

5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Ms. Leslie Jones, (202) 372-4510,
Leslie.Y.Jones@uscg.mil.
6. ADM Linda L. Fagan, Commandant (CCG), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.