SAN DIEGO – Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego Diversity Committee team hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Event in the Fellowship Hall in the hospital chapel October 5, 2022.
The walk, which celebrated and taught different Hispanic countries and cultures, included a slide show, posters and presenters, some of whom originated from the countries they spoke on, to explain the cultures, foods, the people and the history further.
“These diversity events are extremely important for us to understand cultures around the world, and these cultures are part of us, part of our team,” said Captain Kim Davis, commander of NMRTC San Diego. “This morning, I was able to interact with a number of our Shipping Friends who come from these countries and hear about the people, the food, immigration to their countries and how certain traditions were created.”
By talking to the presenters, Davis was introduced to the differences in the Spanish language in Argentina and that part of the world, some of the delicacies, recommendations for authentic cooking in San Diego, and reconnecting with experiences’ the past from previous trips.
“I also talked to another one of the participants today who is from Puerto Rico and that was wonderful because I had the opportunity back in 2002 to be located there at Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico,” said Davis. “Our family embraced every corner of that wonderful island and the warmth of its people, so it was a bit like coming home.”
The members of the Diversity Committee who hosted the event appreciate the opportunity to share and celebrate the diverse cultures present. One such presenter, Hospitalman Luis Trejo, created the poster for Argentina, where he and his family are from.
“Being Hispanic, I felt very proud making a poster sharing about my culture and my people,” said Trejo. “As people came in, I felt happy explaining to them all the things about my country, and this is something very special for me because I have helped in other command observations as well and the this one was something that was close to him. me.”
Davis and Trejo see this event as an important way to not only showcase the enormous diversity of NMRTC San Diego, but also to bring Sailors closer together through understanding, education and celebration.
“The biggest thing is to make everyone feel part of the team,” Trejo said. “We all work here every day, and events like this bring people together and that’s the biggest thing we can take away.”
“Having events like this can bring us together to share what makes us unique and different,” said Davis. “It’s a wonderful way to see and understand the melting pot that is our military, we have people as part of our team, civilians and military from all over the world.”
