La. National Guard pays tribute to contributions by Hispanic troops

PINEVILLE -- Oct. 15 is the national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Louisiana National Guard ( is taking that time to recognize the culture, history and contributions of service members of Hispanic descent. The theme of this year is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

Unidos, roughly translated, means united, connected or close. Staff Sgt. Andy Gonzalez, assigned to the 62nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), says this is a direct depiction of how he was raised. Originally from Algiers, Gonzalez has family lineage from Costa Rica and expressed how Hispanic Heritage Month reminds him of the culture, ideals he was raised with and influences that made him who he is today.

Gonzalez currently serves full-time in the LANG as a chemical, biological and nuclear specialist. He was inspired to join the guard by those that responded to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and enlisted in 2012.

“I wanted to be a part of future efforts in my state,” he said. “I also wanted to better myself and figured the National Guard could help me with education and learning new trades and skills.”

Gonzalez says that Hispanics are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. He mentioned that Costa Ricans frequently greet each other with the phrase "pura vida,’ or pure life, and that he tries to live by that value. He is grateful that Hispanic heritage is celebrated, and it gives him the pride and drive to keep improving as a soldier.

Gonzalez said that before he joined, he had no education past high school and felt stuck in a loop, and that led him to investigate joining the Guard.