On Tuesday, October 9th, the Aeronautical Center Chapter of the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in the Headquarters Auditorium. Hispanic Heritage Month is held nationally from September 15 to October 15, and celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanics in the United States. What originally started as a week-long celebration in 1968 was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 and continues today. The date of September 15 is significant because many Latin American countries celebrate their independence on this day.
Opening remarks were given by Veronica Salazar, MMAC NHCFAE Regional Chapter Director. Kevin O’Connor, MMAC Deputy Director, welcomed the audience and gave a brief history of the NHCFAE and Hispanic Heritage Month. John Espinosa, NHCFAE member, introduced Dr. Melchor Antuñano, Civil Aeromedical Institute Director, who provided a very animated and inspiring keynote address while discussing how he immigrated from Mexico, detailing his keys to success. Dr. Antuñano has been able to check many items off from his “bucket list” by simply taking opportunities as they were presented to him. Some items on his list were; flying a historic bomber aircraft at Oshkosh, flying a P-51 Mustang, mountain flying in Alaska, skydiving, and having flown P. B. Odom’s personal biplane – a result of earlier networking. Dr. Antuñano also mentioned how important it is to step out of one’s comfort zone to meet people. Photos of him standing next to the likes of John Travolta and Buzz Aldrin brought credence to that point.
He talked about the importance of taking risks, and finding mentors that will help you. He also noted the importance of serving as a mentor to others. Dr. Antuñano has a very impressive biography and says he considers his career at MMAC a hobby rather than a job because he is so passionate about what he gets to do on a daily basis.
One of the Doctor’s favorite quotes is from Michelangelo; “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” The Director’s presentation was over too soon, but those in attendance were very fortunate to glean from his words of wisdom.
To conclude the celebration, Pamela Selbe, MMAC NHCFAE Deputy Chapter Director, introduced the Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Inc., who entertained the crowd with several traditional Mexican dances. This organization is a nonprofit that was established to promote traditional and regional dances of Mexico by emphasizing education of its history, traditions, art, culture and music. Every dance has a story or meaning, and every song has a feeling. The pride in their culture and family was evident through each of the dancer’s brightly colored outfits and heartfelt movements.
Special thanks to the MMAC Chapter of the NHCFAE for planning and hosting this celebration from the Aeronautical Center.
Many thanks to Erik Salazar, Management and Program Analyst of AFB-240, for his submissions.
