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# Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Spotlight: Pedro Martinez

By Pamela SmithDLA Aviation Public Affairs Office

                RICHMOND, Va.  –              
*National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed yearly from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories.*

*In observance of 2023’s Hispanic Heritage Month, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation will feature employees of Hispanic heritage to appear in spotlights.*

**Name:** Pedro Martinez

**Job Title:** Contract Specialist

**Organization:** Contract Administration Customer Facing Division, Supplier Operations Commodities Directorate, DLA Aviation

**Years of service:** 2 years

**Please describe your job in a sentence or two.  **I resolve contract discrepancies with vendors by gathering facts, advising the administration, and then finding the solution.

**How do you support the warfighter?**I support the warfighter by providing prompt solutions for technical and financial issues so that contractors can get the material out to them in a timely manner.

**The theme for this Hispanic History Month in 2023 is “Todos Somos, Somos Uno – We Are All, We Are One." In your words, briefly explain what this means to you?**Todos somos uno, means that no matter our circumstances and differences, we place them aside when needed and unite. Our uniqueness, values, struggles and accomplishments make us resilient and humble, but most importantly it makes us human and stronger as one.

**Tell us something unique about your heritage or country of origin.**I would like to share four unique things about my county.

First, I’m from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, which has the most beaches on the island, nineteen in total. Some of our beaches have been referred to as the best in Puerto Rico for surfing. Aguadilla has also drawn worldwide attention and will be the location of the upcoming 2024 International Surf Association’s World Surfing Games.

Sports extend beyond surfing though. Puerto Rico is the only country to have world boxing champions in every weight category.

Puerto Rico’s Guanica Forest is the best example of what a subtropical dry forest is. This type of forest receives substantial rain during the year but may go without rain for several months resulting in long dry seasons.

Lastly, the unofficial symbol of Puerto Rico is an indigenous whistling frog called coqui. The coqui has 17 species, and its scientific name is Eleutrherodactyl.

**What is one thing you'd like others to know about your heritage?**Puerto Rican food offers a feast of flavors that represent the island’s unique culinary traditions. Signature dishes that embody its spirit include a savory dish made from mashed plantains called mofongo, and deliciously crispy fried plantains called Tostones. Other must-try specialties include a type of tamale called pasteles, and arroz con Gandules, a flavorful rice dish with pigeon peas. For a sweet treat, tembleque, a coconut-based dessert, and coquito, a coconut-based holiday drink, is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Sampling these traditional Puerto Rican dishes will take you on a delectable journey into the heart of this vibrant culture.

**Why is it important to you that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?**I think celebrating our heritage is important to teach others about our culture’s traditions, passions, and legacy. Hispanics have a lot of similarities to share, but I want everybody to know that I am a Boricua, which means I’m Puerto Rican by birth. And that’s not just where I came from, but it’s a state of mind and a way of life.

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DLA AviationPeople and CultureHispanic Heritage MonthEmployee Spotlight