In this program, recruiters form a partnership with respected Hispanic community leaders, and work to reduce the severe school dropout problem. Because of her work with Hispanic youth, Martinez received a national Hispanic award this year. She was presented the National Image Meritorious Service Award from National Image, Inc., a national Hispanic organization. The organization seeks to improve employment, education and civil rights and annually presents its award to outstanding military personnel from the military services who have contributed to increased opportunities for Hispanic Americans. She explained that many youth just don't have anyone to look up to.
Recruiters are good role models, whether the kids are in high school, college or at home.
I came from a very huge Hispanic family and my family was extremely important to me. I was at risk of dropping out of high school in order to help my family, but my recruiter helped me to decide to stay in and get my high school diploma. I know where these young people are coming from, I've been there. Many teachers know recruiters can help in mentoring, and sometimes I am asked to mentor a young person. I do it, but I don't wait to be asked, sometimes that is the only shot the young person has for any kind of mentoring.