[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING LATINOS IN THE MILITARY

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this week I 
introduced House Resolution 404, a resolution honoring Latinos in the 
military; and I rise today to recognize all the great contributions and 
service that Latinos have given to this country.
  In fact, Latinos have fought in every United States military conflict 
that we have had, and today nearly 163,000 Latinos--and Latinas--serve 
in the regular components of the Armed Forces. The contributions and 
sacrifices that they make to defend our Nation are often overlooked. So 
I encourage the Secretary of Defense to increase promotion 
opportunities for Latinos in the Armed Forces.
  It's my firm belief that the military should invest in outreach to 
minority communities and to work to mitigate the barriers that hinder 
more Latinos from advancing up the career ladder in our Armed Forces, 
because our Armed Forces need Latinos. Latinos, like all those who 
serve, continue to sacrifice their lives daily in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom and Operation New Dawn. We have lost lives of Latinos also, 
539.
  I salute the dedication of our Latino servicemembers.

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