Rep. Sanchez introduces legislation to honor Latinos in the U.S. Military

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR LATINOS IN THE MILITARY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Friday introduced legislation to honor the service and sacrifices of Latinos serving in the United States military and to support and encourage the Secretary of Defense to increase promotion opportunities for Latinos in the Armed Forces.

“The contributions of Latinos to the defense of our nation are often overlooked,” said Sanchez. “I salute the dedication of our Latino service members, and I am proud to recognize how hard our people have fought because of their strong love for this country and for what it represents.

“I urge military leadership to personally commit to making diversity in the Armed Forces an institutional priority. The military should invest in outreach to minority communities and work to mitigate the barriers that hinder more Latinos from advancing up the career ladder.”

Latinos have served in every United States military conflict and currently 162,395 Latinos serve in the regular components of the Armed Forces. Latinos, like all those who serve, continue to sacrifice their lives daily in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn- as we have lost the lives of 539 Latino service members. However, these young men and women continue to serve proudly for the security and freedom of this country.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

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