Complete Part 2 of the assignment. Below is Part 1.
Gonzalez, Manuel
Professor Reina
ETH-101
22 September 2024
Chicanos in the Military
Chicanos or Mexican Americans have participated in all major American military conflicts, starting with the Spanish-American War and continuing through the present. Today, more than 17 percent of America’s soldiers and 7 percent of Army civilians are of Hispanic or Latino descent (Fort Buchanan, 2024). They have shown remarkable bravery in battle, a testament to their unwavering patriotism for their country. Their journey, however, has not been without its challenges. They have overcome prejudice and limited career progression, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
I chose this topic because the military profoundly influences my family history. It is not just a research paper for me. It is a personal journey. Eleven members of my family have served in the United States military, and their experiences deeply resonate with the history of Chicanos or Mexican Americans in the military.
It all started in the 1940s, when my great-grandfather, Martin Gonzalez, enlisted in the United States Navy. Martin first came to the United States under the Bracero program. Between 1942 and 1964, the government-sponsored Bracero Program permitted temporary employment of Mexican agriculture and railroad laborers in the United States. Once his work permit expired, he enlisted in the Navy to obtain U.S. citizenship. He took the oath of citizenship on a battleship in the Indian Ocean.
In the next generation, six of my great-uncles would serve in the military. Three would join the Navy, and three would join the United States Air Force. All would serve during the Vietnam War. As first-generation Americans, they desired to demonstrate allegiance and patriotism to the United States. The military provided specialized training and economic opportunities. It was also becoming a family tradition.
As the family tree grew, the pattern of military service evolved. The next generation witnessed a significant decline in military enlistment. Only two of the 23 offspring from the previous generation would serve in the military. Eight of the 23 offspring of the prior generation pursued a college degree, reflecting the increasing emphasis on education.
My third generation has seen a combination of people pursuing college degrees and military service. However, it has become more personal to me as my cousin, Eric, and my older brother, Diego, serve in the United States Army. I am very proud of the service my brother and cousin provide for our country. However, along with that pride also come feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
A deep-seated curiosity drives my exploration of Chicanos or Mexican Americans in the military. Often overlooked or underappreciated, this community has significantly contributed to the military.
Works Cited
“Demographics of the U.S. Military.” Council on Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/backgrounder/demographics-us-military.
“Fort Buchanan: A First-Hand Witness of Hispanics’ Contributions to National Security.” U.S. Army Reserve, 17 Oct. 2023, www.usar.army.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3560084/fort-buchanan-a-first-hand-witness-of-hispanics-contributions-to-national-secur/.
“Hispanic Americans: The United States Army.” Hispanic Americans | The United States Army, www.army.mil/hispanics/.
“‘Learning from the War: Mexican Americans and Their Fight’ Topic.” [TMP] “Learning from the War: Mexican Americans and Their Fight” Topic, theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=573072.
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