Joint Base Andrews, Md. –
In celebration of Hispanic-American Heritage Month, a free food tasting and cultural event was held at the community activity center, Sept. 21, 2012. Hosted by Col. William A. Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, the event also included a professional-dancing demonstration, a live DJ and an opportunity for patrons to dance.
According to Knight, this year's HAHM theme," Diversity United: Building America's Future Today," is in line with his perspective for Joint Base Andrews.
Just as we work side-by-side with our sister services here at Andrews, we also embrace cultural diversity among all ethnicities, said Knight. Diversity is the foundation which our great nation is built upon.
The entire Andrews community was welcomed to learn about Hispanic-American culture, through food, music, dancing.
"The turnout was fabulous," said Master Sgt. Krishonda Camacho, 779th Medical Group resource management flight chief, and narrator for the event. "We've had more participants than I expected. I appreciate all this community support."
During the event, Myat Nyunt and Samantha Fries, of Arthur Murray Dance studio, demonstrated salsa, merengue, bachata and rumba dances for the patrons there.
Many attendees and volunteers deemed the event to be a success.
"It took a lot of cooperation and teamwork from the joint base partners from the Navy side and volunteers from all around base to make this event as successful as it was," said Master Sgt. Robert Lugo 779th, Surgical Operations Squadron anesthesia flight chief. "We cooked enough food for 150 personnel; we reserved dancers and DJ Staff Sgt. Carlos Rodriguez, who works at the Pentagon. I hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed a chance to experience a little bit of Hispanic Culture."
Hispanic-American Heritage Month began Sept. 15 continues through Oct. 15. The grand finale event is scheduled for Oct 12, at The Club at Andrews. It will include happy hour, photography, dance lessons, entertainment and prizes.
For more information on call, 240-612-6479.