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.