Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today announced the launch of the ALVA Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report, a new monthly publication designed to help veterans, servicemembers and military families stay informed about important policy developments, benefits, services and opportunities.

Each edition will track significant federal legislation, White House actions, state-level veterans policy, Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services, and employment, education and entrepreneurship opportunities. The report will also identify issues requiring attention or action and provide direct links to primary government sources.

“Veterans shouldn’t have to navigate dozens of government websites or decipher complicated legislation to understand decisions that could affect them and their families,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “Our goal is to identify what matters, explain why it matters, and give veterans practical information they can use.”

The inaugural August 2026 edition includes congressional legislation affecting veterans’ benefits and services; ALVA’s support for H.R. 9595, the Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto Medal of Honor Act; the new President’s Military Spouse Commission; significant veterans legislation in several states; and new VA programs and benefit information.

The new publication expands ALVA’s ongoing advocacy and benefits work as part of its mission to help Latino veterans thrive and recognize their indispensable contributions.

Read the August 2026 ALVA Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report: CLICK HERE

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) 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 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.