USO Vicenza celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The sound of Hispanic music filled the air, enticing the Vicenza Military Community towards the USO for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Previously only celebrated for a week, in 1988 the commemoration expanded to cover an entire month beginning on September 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor both fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who are part of the armed forces as well as celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who continue to inspire individuals to strive to achieve success. The USO took the opportunity to create a meaningful celebration to honor service members and families of the Hispanic community by offering a tasty Troop Lunch filled with the flavors of Hispanic tradition. Devoted volunteers dressed in festive attire and moved to upbeat music while serving a delicious meal. The enthusiasm lifted the spirits and brought smiles to everyone that attended. For dessert patrons enjoyed a delicious homemade Tres Leches, or “three milk cake”, traditionally reserved for celebrations. This rich cake was made from scratch by a caring volunteer and reminded the many patrons of their families back home. As Corporal Arietta declared, “This Tres Leches tastes just like my mom’s, it reminds me of home.” The commemorative Troop Lunch not only impacted the Hispanic community positively but also provided the entire Vicenza Military Community with the opportunity to experience the tastes of the culture while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Keeping service members and their families connected to home, family, and country is the goal of the USO. Through a delectable, warm, and familiar homemade meal, that goal was achieved.