DoD and Hispanic Heritage Month

DOD Artist Creates Hispanic Heritage Month Poster

click poster for larger view

Peter Hemmer’s poster highlighting the Defense Department’s participation in National Hispanic Heritage Month. Graphic courtesy of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2012 – When artist Peter Hemmer channeled his creative process to produce a poster highlighting the Defense Department’s participation in this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, he knew he wanted a one-of-a-kind design.

“I wanted to find something bright, colorful and vibrant,” said Hemmer, an illustrator with the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

“Every observance has challenges built into it,” Hemmer said, noting he wanted this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month poster to be different and interesting.

Hemmer said he didn’t want to repeat what’s been done in years past, or produce a poster “that’s so specific, it alienates certain subgroups of that ethnic group.”

He conferred with DEOMI research editor Dawn Smith to develop ideas for the Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 observance, which is themed, “Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today.”

The consistent factor Hemmer and Smith found in different Hispanic cultures was vibrant colors, they said. read more>>>

DOD Recognizes Hispanic-American Achievements

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2012 – National Hispanic Heritage Month gives the Defense Department an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions made by the nation’s Hispanic-Americans, said Stephanie Miller, DOD’s Diversity Management director.

The observance, which begins Sept. 15 and runs to Oct. 15, also provides the department an opportunity to reflect on diversity and inclusiveness, Miller said during a Sept. 11 American Forces Press Service interview.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has said diversity is important to the department’s mission success and inclusion for military and civilian workers, she said.

Not only does that bring a variety of background skills, language, cultural competencies DOD will need in the 21st century, Miller said, but diversity also fosters an environment where people feel they can achieve whatever they want.

“There are no barriers standing in the way of their personal success,” she added.

Census figures for 2009 show more than 50 million Hispanics live in the United States, making them the largest minority group.

In 2011, Hispanics comprised 11 percent of active-duty military and nearly 17 percent of new recruits, Miller said. read more>>>