LULAC honors airman, service

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Guy Volb and Tech. Sgt. Lisa Luse
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
ORLANDO, Fla. (AFPN) --  A weeklong League of United Latin American Citizens 2003 Convention ended here June 20 with a tribute to a fallen airman and the presentation of a community outreach award to the Air Force.

The organization honored Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano, 24, who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan on April 25. He was a tactical air command and control specialist accompanying Army paratroopers behind enemy lines. Deployed from the 14th Air Support Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Losano was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for his actions that day.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Wehrle Jr., assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force, accepted the LULAC Community Award on behalf of the Air Force.

Other Air Force senior leaders who participated in the conference included Michael Montelongo, assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller; Brig. Gen. Maria Cribbs, director of manpower and personnel for the Joint Staff; and Brig. Gen. Jose Portela, mobilization assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs.

Montelongo said he attended the convention primarily to encourage Hispanic youths to seek Air Force careers and to demonstrate the Air Force's commitment to diversity.

"The Air Force is making a concerted effort to recruit more (Hispanics),” he said. “We're also trying to increase career opportunities for Latinos in our upper-level military and civilian ranks. The key is to start early and help ensure people get the proper preparation it takes to reach those levels."

Nearly 2,000 people attended the event. Visible throughout the conference were Hispanic airmen and recruiters who looked to increase awareness of military service opportunities among Hispanic youths.

“We think that you (Hispanic youths) are that important,” said Portela. “That’s why we’re here.”

“I appreciate the cooperation between the Air Force and League of United Latin American Citizens,” said Charles Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “I also express my personal gratitude to Hispanic men and women serving in our armed forces.”