Jet Stream The
Friday, September 28, 2018 Vol. 53, No. 36 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
Operation Ball Gown 5
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
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Fightertown celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Story by Cpl. Terry Haynes III
Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Month-long observation is recognized nationwide from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was established in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and originally lasted one week, but was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. During this time period, Americans celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain and Latin America. “As a member of the military, this month is very important to me,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph Arroyo, a New Jersey native of Puerto Rican Decent. “This month allows us to reflect on the achievements of Latin Americans and our culture as a whole. To me personally, it puts into perspective the sacrifices of the men and women who came before and what they sacrificed.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic and Latin community is the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States. The term Hispanic refers to Puerto Rico, America or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. Hispanic and Latinos make up almost 17 percent of the total U.S. population and 17 percent of the military as well. “My parents are immigrants and some of the biggest patriots I know,” said Sgt. Jerry Rivera, a drill instructor aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Watching them sacrifice so much for me growing up made me want to give back in any way I could.” The anniversary of independence for seven Latin American countries falls within the time period. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence day on Sept. 15. Mexico and Chile also celebrates their independence during the month of observation. “I grew up in a very diverse neighborhood in New Jersey,” Arroyo said. “All those different culture interacting and existing together reminds me a lot of the Marine Corps and how that helps us. Our differences make us stronger, not only as individuals but as a whole.” According to Marine Administrative Message 433/18, of our Nation’s Medal of Honor recipients, there are thirteen Marines of Hispanic descent; eleven enlisted and two officers. “Every Marine of Hispanic decent owes a debt of gratitude to the women and men who paved the way for us,” Rivera said. “The Marine Corps has shaped me into the Photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella Lance Cpl. Joseph Arroyo poses for a photo aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 26. Arroyo is an man I am today and for that I will always be grateful.” airfield operations Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. Arroyo is a New Jersey native of Puerto Rican Decent.
Marines tackle the Devil Dog Dare Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Deloach
Marines stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island took part in the Devil Dog Dare Challenge, Sept. 20. The challenge served as an opportunity to bring Marines together, enhance morale and strengthen camaraderie within the unit through physical competition. “There are four things that can make you ineffective: your temperament, your ego, insecurity and naivety,” said Latashia Smalls, a life skills and education trainer. “The teams had to be able to combat all of those things and work together.” Marines maneuvered to five different locations where they worked as a team to complete tasks such as walking lunges, the obstacle course, a Humvee push, various field exercises and finally a word scramble. “Each individual event isolated by themselves were not that challenging,” said Capt. Joshua Fisher, an Air Traffic Control security officer for MCAS Beaufort. “The hardest part was actually the heat. I was personally affected by the heat, fortunately, I had a pretty good team that kept morale up and pushed me to the end.” Ultimately, it was the Marines with Air Traffic Control who managed to come out on top. “I’m definitely proud of these guys,” Fisher said. “It’s quite an accomplishment when you get to pull your Marines out of their comsee ddd page 4
Photo by Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Capt. Joshua Fisher, an air traffic control facility officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, lifts the weights to his shoulders to do lunges during the Devil Dog Dare aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 20. Teammate and ATC specialist, Cpl. Samson Burque, waits to take the bar after Fisher. The ATC team won first place and $500 for their unit.