Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today released the latest episode of its Latino Valor video series, The Hidden Front: Hispanic Contributions to American Intelligence, recognizing the often-overlooked service of Hispanic men and women who have helped protect the United States through diplomacy, espionage, military intelligence, signals intelligence, intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism operations.
Unlike previous episodes that highlighted individual acts of battlefield heroism, this installment broadens the Latino Valor series by recognizing an entire community of veterans and service members whose contributions have largely remained out of the public eye.

“For every story of courage on the battlefield, there are countless others whose service occurred behind the scenes,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association. “Intelligence professionals rarely receive public recognition, yet their work has informed military commanders, protected American lives, and strengthened our national security for generations. This episode is about honoring those whose contributions are often unseen but no less essential.”

Spanning more than 250 years of American history, the episode highlights figures such as Juan de Miralles (American Revolution), Loreta Janeta Velázquez (Civil War), and José Rodríguez (Cold War and Global War on Terrorism) while honoring the thousands of Hispanic Americans who have served in military intelligence, signals intelligence, counterintelligence, geospatial intelligence, cryptologic operations, and other intelligence specialties—often in roles that remain largely unseen by the public.

“The history of military service is about much more than combat,” Vargas added. “Every successful mission depends on a team—intelligence professionals, logisticians, medics, communicators, transportation specialists, and countless others whose work makes mission success possible. We hope this episode reminds veterans from every military occupational specialty that their service mattered and that every role contributes to the success of the mission.”

The Latino Valor series is part of ALVA’s ongoing effort to preserve and share the stories of Latino military service while inspiring future generations to appreciate the indispensable contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our nation’s defense. Previous episodes have featured heroes such as Roy Benavidez, Guy Gabaldon, the Borinqueneers, Jennifer Moreno, and Jorge Otero Barreto. With The Hidden Front, ALVA expands the series to recognize not only extraordinary acts of valor, but also the many professions and specialties that make military success possible.

The episode is now available on ALVA’s YouTube channel and across ALVA’s social media platforms. Please see the following link: – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is proud to announce the appointment of Brigadier General (Ret.) José David Rivera and former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) Ramón “CZ” Colón-López to its National Advisory Council.

The addition of these two distinguished military leaders further strengthens ALVA’s mission to help Latino veterans thrive and recognize their indispensable contributions to our nation’s security and prosperity.

“General Rivera and SEAC Colón-López represent the very best of military leadership, character, and service,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “Their decades of experience leading at the highest levels of our Armed Forces, combined with their continued commitment to serving veterans and their communities, will be invaluable as ALVA expands its national impact. We are honored to welcome them to our Advisory Council.”

Brigadier General (Ret.) José David Rivera served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army, culminating as Director of Operations (G3/5/7) for U.S. Army Central, where he oversaw more than 12,000 soldiers across 147 units throughout the Middle East. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he held senior leadership positions at U.S. Central Command and U.S. Northern Command as well as commanding at every Army echelon up to Brigade Combat Team, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Israel. Today, he continues to serve as a leadership coach, nonprofit board member, and advocate for veterans and individuals with autism and other neurodiverse communities.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) Ramón “CZ” Colón-López is a retired U.S. Air Force Special Operations veteran whose distinguished 33-year career culminated as the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the highest enlisted position in the U.S. Armed Forces. A highly decorated combat pararescueman and Special Tactics leader, he advised three Secretaries of Defense and two Presidents, becoming the first enlisted service member ever awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. Today, he serves as CEO of Carnivore Concepts, a strategic advisor, author, and advocate for veterans and leadership development.

ALVA’s Advisory Council is composed of accomplished leaders from the military, business, government, academia, and nonprofit sectors who provide strategic guidance, expand partnerships, and help advance the organization’s mission. As ALVA continues to grow nationwide, the Council plays an increasingly important role in strengthening the organization’s ability to advocate for veterans, expand career and entrepreneurship opportunities, preserve the stories and contributions of Latino veterans, and build lasting partnerships that benefit the veteran community.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Latino veterans thrive and recognizing their indispensable contributions. Through advocacy, workforce development, entrepreneurship, wellness initiatives, storytelling, and community engagement, ALVA works to ensure Latino veterans receive the opportunities, recognition, and support they have earned through military service. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit www.alvavets.org or follow us @alvavets.

Washington, D.C. — July 2, 2026 — As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day during the nation’s 250th anniversary year, veterans and community leaders from across the country have come together to lend their voices to Voices of Liberty: An Abbreviated Reading of the Declaration of Independence, a collaborative commemorative video produced by the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA).

The production features a shared reading of selected passages from the Declaration of Independence, reaffirming the enduring principles of liberty, equality, self-government, and civic responsibility that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years. Released on the eve of the Independence Day holiday weekend, the project invites Americans to reflect on the ideals that united the nation’s founders and continue to inspire each generation.

“The Declaration of Independence belongs to every American,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman & CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association. “Its words continue to inspire each new generation to protect the freedoms and opportunities that define our country. As we celebrate Independence Day during America’s 250th anniversary year, we hope this reading encourages Americans to reflect on our shared heritage while honoring the generations of service members and veterans who have defended these enduring ideals.”

The video features the voices of:

Wilmarie Boisvert • Jeyben Castro • Olga Custodio • Norma Domingo • July Franco • Evan Guzman • Roy Love • Silvana Montenegro • Jose Nino • Marie Robles • Betty Uribe • Danny Vargas • Justin Velez-Hagan

Produced by ALVA, Voices of Liberty serves as both a tribute to America’s founding principles and a reminder that the work of preserving liberty continues through every generation of Americans. By bringing together decorated veterans, military pioneers, business executives, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in a unified reading of the Declaration of Independence, Voices of Liberty demonstrates that the ideals expressed nearly 250 years ago continue to inspire Americans to serve something greater than themselves.

The video concludes by highlighting ALVA’s dedication to helping Latino veterans thrive and recognizing their indispensable contributions—a reminder that the freedoms celebrated each Independence Day have been preserved through the service and sacrifice of generations of Americans in uniform.

To watch the full video: CLICK HERE

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Latino veterans thrive and recognizing their indispensable contributions. Through advocacy, workforce development, entrepreneurship, wellness initiatives, storytelling, and community engagement, ALVA works to ensure Latino veterans receive the opportunities, recognition, and support they have earned through military service. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit www.alvavets.org or follow us @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The latest episode of the Latino Valor video series honors Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto, one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War and a proud son of Puerto Rico whose courage under fire became legendary.

Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Otero Barreto joined the United States Army in 1959 and went on to serve five tours in Vietnam. Over the course of more than 200 combat missions, he repeatedly placed himself in harm’s way to protect his fellow soldiers, earning a reputation for extraordinary bravery and selfless leadership.

During his military career, Otero Barreto earned 38 military decorations, including multiple Silver Stars, Bronze Stars for Valor, Purple Hearts, and Air Medals. Wounded five times in combat, he continued to return to duty, embodying the Army’s highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

The newest Latino Valor episode tells the story of a soldier whose actions saved countless lives and whose humility never matched the magnitude of his accomplishments. Beyond his battlefield heroics, the video highlights his lifelong commitment to veterans and his enduring legacy as one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated military heroes.

The episode also acknowledges the ongoing efforts by veterans organizations, civic leaders, and supporters who have advocated for a review of Otero Barreto’s record for possible consideration of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.

“Jorge Otero Barreto’s story is one of extraordinary courage, unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers, and a lifetime of service,” said Danny Vargas, ALVA Chairman/CEO. “His legacy reminds us of the profound contributions that Latino Americans have made in defense of our nation.”

The Latino Valor series is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Latino service members whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership have helped shape American military history.

The episode honoring Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto is now available for viewing at the following link: – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Latino Valor video series has released a new episode honoring Captain Jennifer Moreno, a United States Army nurse and Ranger-qualified officer whose courage and sacrifice during the war in Afghanistan continue to inspire service members across the nation.

Captain Moreno, a proud Mexican-American from San Diego, California, dedicated her life to caring for others. After earning her nursing degree, she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and volunteered to deploy with elite Special Operations forces as a flight nurse with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.”

Moreno distinguished herself through relentless training and extraordinary commitment to the soldiers she served beside. She even completed the demanding Army Ranger course, becoming one of the few women of her time to earn the coveted Ranger tab.

In October 2013, while responding to a mission to assist wounded Rangers in Afghanistan, Captain Moreno moved forward to treat injured soldiers in a hazardous area filled with improvised explosive devices. While carrying out her duty as a combat nurse, she was killed in action.

For her heroism and sacrifice, Captain Moreno was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, among other honors.

Releasing this episode during Women’s History Month highlights the growing role of women in the United States Armed Forces and honors the many Latina service members whose dedication and courage have helped shape our nation’s military history.

The video is now available for public viewing – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — In recognition of Presidents Day, the latest episode of the Latino Valor video series has been released, honoring Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, one of the most courageous soldiers in United States military history.

The episode tells the extraordinary true story of the Mexican-American Green Beret who, on May 2, 1968, voluntarily entered a deadly firefight in Vietnam to rescue a surrounded Special Forces team. Over the course of six harrowing hours, Benavidez saved the lives of multiple soldiers while sustaining more than forty wounds from bullets, shrapnel, and bayonets.

More than a decade later, in a historic White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan awarded Benavidez the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor. During the ceremony, President Reagan famously remarked that if Benavidez’s heroism were written as a movie script, it would be difficult to believe—yet every word was true.

This newest Latino Valor episode brings renewed attention to Benavidez’s life of service, resilience, and devotion to his fellow soldiers, while also highlighting the enduring importance of recognizing courage and sacrifice at the highest levels of national leadership.

“Presidents Day is a time to reflect not only on those who have led our nation, but also on the heroes whose valor they have honored,” said Danny Vargas, ALVA CEO. “Roy Benavidez’s story is a timeless reminder of duty, brotherhood, and the extraordinary courage found in ordinary Americans.”

The video is now available for public viewing – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

Washington, D.C. — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today released its 2025 Impact Report, detailing a year of national growth, measurable impact, and expanded advocacy on behalf of Latino veterans and their families.

The report highlights ALVA’s work across workforce development, entrepreneurship, benefits and well-being, advocacy, recognition, and research—serving a community of nearly 1.5 million Latino veterans nationwide and more than 240,000 Latinos currently serving on active duty.

Among the key highlights from 2025:

• 30+ expert speakers delivered nationwide, featuring topics on careers, benefits, mental health, and economic opportunity
• 10,000+ viewers reached through informational videos, webinars, podcasts, and Latino military history content
• Release of the State of Latino Veterans 2025 Report, delivered to Congress and the Administration, offering new data-driven insights into the experiences, needs, and priorities of Latino veterans

“Latino veterans have served with honor since the founding of our nation, yet their contributions and challenges are too often overlooked,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “This Impact Report reflects not only what we achieved in 2025, but why our work matters now more than ever—ensuring Latino veterans have access to opportunity, recognition, and the support they have earned.”

The State of Latino Veterans research revealed a highly educated and service-oriented population, while also documenting persistent barriers in access to benefits, economic mobility, and culturally competent care—underscoring the need for continued advocacy and policy engagement.

ALVA also expanded its storytelling and recognition efforts through the “Attention, ALVA” podcast, the “Latino Valor” video series, and ALVA Awards ceremonies held in San Diego and Washington, D.C., celebrating Latino military service from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

The full ALVA 2025 Impact Report, along with the State of Latino Veterans report and policy brief, is available at www.alvavets.org.