Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes staff held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Building 3, Oct. 4, coinciding with the month-long national observance.

This year, the theme "Shaping the Bright Future of America," represents Hispanic-Americans walking together with those who share in the honor of calling this nation home.

"As we know, people of Hispanic background have been shaping the future of our country for centuries," said Capt. Mark Meskimen, commanding officer, TSC. "While we are gathered together today to celebrate our diversity, I would also like to take this chance to encourage our command to continue to set the bar when it comes to treating our people with equality. Our military has long been the example for embracing diversity and treating people with respect and fairness."

The guest speaker for the event was TSC Student Control Officer Lt. America EstevezGuerrero. She told the attendees that at first she did not want to give a speech because she did not have a pretty story to tell, did not come from a beautiful family, and did not want people to feel sorry for her. While speaking with a peer, she was told "No one will feel sorry for you. If anything they'll be inspired."

Born in the Dominican Republic, EstevezGuerrero grew up in situations where she had no electricity or water in the home, raised by relatives after her mother passed away, surviving an abusive alcoholic father, and moving to foster care at 12-years-old in a nunnery.

"Still after my story I want to say that I am proud of who I am, where I came from, and the woman that I have become," she said. "The reason why I wanted to tell my story is because I want junior Sailors to know and see how possible it is to do and become whoever you want to become. Especially in this country and today's Navy. We might have to work a little harder, but with all the contribution we bring, plus all of the opportunities we have, I am so proud to say that I am a Latina serving in the finest Navy in the world - the U.S. Navy."

Following the presentation, staff enjoyed a potluck lunch of traditional Hispanic food.

Officially, on a national level, contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino-Americans to the U.S. have been celebrated for 48 years. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson set aside a week to celebrate Hispanic heritage, and, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to cover a 30-day period. On Aug. 17, 1988, under the approval of public law, Hispanic Heritage Month became an official observance.

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