military Archives - ALVA AMERICAN LATINO https://alvavets.org/tag/military/ VETERANS ASSOCIATION Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:15:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 ALVA and AWP Announce Strategic Partnership https://alvavets.org/2025/04/02/alva-and-awp-announce-strategic-partnership/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:15:04 +0000 https://alvavets.org/?p=1080 […]]]> American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) and America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Support for Latino Veterans

Herndon, VA – The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) and America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) proudly announce a strategic partnership aimed at expanding and enhancing services for Latino veterans, their families, and caregivers. By working together, the two organizations will ensure that Latino veterans receive access to the necessary resources, services, and community support they need at every stage of their lives.

ALVA is dedicated to advocating for and empowering Latino veterans, ensuring they receive equitable access to benefits, healthcare, and career opportunities. AWP is a nationally recognized organization that connects local veteran-serving organizations with critical resources, partners, and services to bolster community-based support networks. Through this partnership, both organizations will collaborate to bridge gaps in service delivery and enhance outreach efforts to Latino veterans across the country.

The customized link to request these support services can be found via:
https://www.tfaforms.com/5174061

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique needs of Latino veterans,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman/CEO of ALVA. “By working with AWP, we can better connect our veterans and their families to the tailored resources and support they deserve.”

AWP’s President/CEO Jim Lorraine added, “America’s Warrior Partnership is committed to ensuring no veteran falls through the cracks. Our collaboration with ALVA will strengthen our ability to reach and support Latino veterans through community-driven solutions.”

The partnership will focus on several key initiatives, including:

  • Strengthening access to localized veteran support services tailored to Latino veterans’ needs.
  • Increasing awareness and utilization of existing veteran programs through outreach and education.
  • Facilitating collaboration between ALVA, AWP, and community-based veteran organizations nationwide.

Together, ALVA and AWP are committed to ensuring Latino veterans receive the recognition, services, and support they have earned through their service to the nation.

Please visit our website www.alvavets.org and follow us on social media @alvavets to learn more about our other programs and future events.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families. 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 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 since before its inception. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

About America’s Warrior Partnership:
America’s Warrior Partnership is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide. They connect local veteran-serving organizations with the appropriate resources, services, and partners to support veterans, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life. Their goal is to improve veterans’ quality of life and end veteran suicide by empowering local communities to serve them proactively and holistically before a crisis occurs. Learn more at www.americaswarriorpartnership.org or @AWPartnership.

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Attention, ALVA! Podcast – Olga Custodio: First Latina Fighter Pilot https://alvavets.org/2025/03/24/attention-alva-podcast-olga-custodio-first-latina-fighter-pilot/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:55:01 +0000 https://alvavets.org/?p=1067 […]]]> First Latina to Complete USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training Joins the ALVA Podcast

The latest episode of the Attention, ALVA! podcast (hosted by ALVA Chairman/CEO Danny Vargas) is available! Our special guest is Olga Custodio.

Olga is the first Latina to complete USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, she served for 24 years and retired as a Lt Col. Olga was also the first American Airlines Latina commercial airline pilot and retired a Captain with a 20 year career. Now a STEM advocate, speaker, author, and community leader, she advocates for inspiring and empowering students, especially in underserved communities, to pursue STEM careers in aviation and aerospace. Olga continues to fly in general aviation.
We discuss her upbringing, her career and her community service and her book “FLIGHTPATH OF FORTITUDE”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

Podcast Sponsors:
JPMorganChase, PMI, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and T-Mobile

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families. 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 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 since before its inception. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets

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American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) Announces Launch of Regional Coordinators to Expand Outreach and Support for Latino Veterans https://alvavets.org/2025/03/10/american-latino-veterans-association-alva-announces-launch-of-regional-coordinators-to-expand-outreach-and-support-for-latino-veterans/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:24:50 +0000 https://alvavets.org/?p=1058 […]]]>

Herndon, VA – The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) proudly announces the launch of its Regional Coordinators initiative, a strategic effort to expand its reach, strengthen its support network, and drive membership growth among Latino veterans and their families nationwide.

The newly appointed Regional Coordinators are highly engaged individuals with extensive networks in the veteran community, strong ties to Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and connections to potential corporate partners. Their commitment to the well-being of veterans makes them invaluable ambassadors for ALVA’s mission.

Responsibilities of ALVA Regional Coordinators
Regional Coordinators will play a crucial role in increasing ALVA’s visibility, fostering collaborations, and supporting veteran-centric initiatives across the country. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Acting as ALVA Ambassadors
    • Driving ALVA membership growth in their respective regions (membership is free for all veterans, guard, reserves, and their families)
    • Increasing awareness and engagement with ALVA programs and initiatives
    • Identifying and fostering relationships with potential partners and sponsors
  • Coordinating ALVA Events
    • Organizing and assisting with ALVA-sponsored events in their regions
    • Enhancing participation and outreach at community and veteran-focused gatherings
  • Supporting and Coordinating Volunteer Activities
    • Identifying meaningful volunteer opportunities for ALVA members
    • Engaging with local organizations to promote veteran support initiatives

Meet the Initial Cadre of ALVA Regional Coordinators
ALVA is proud to introduce its first group of Regional Coordinators, who bring unparalleled dedication and expertise to their roles. If you have suggestions of other leaders you would like to recommend for another region, please contact us at info@alvavets.org.

  • Joe Aldaz – Colorado (CO)
  • July Franco – Chicago, Illinois (IL)
  • Lucy Del Gaudio – Northern New Jersey (NJ)
  • John Escalante – New York City (NY)
  • Joseph Figueroa – San Antonio, Texas (TX)
  • Danitza “Dee” Garcia-James – Norfolk, Virginia (VA)
  • Evan Guzman – New York City (NY)
  • Ernesto Hernandez – National Capital Region (VA)
  • Jose Ismael Irizarry – Puerto Rico (PR)

A Commitment to Latino Veterans
ALVA remains steadfast in its mission to “help Latino Veterans thrive and recognize their indispensable contributions”. We empower Latino veterans and their families by providing access to resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy. Through the efforts of its Regional Coordinators, ALVA aims to strengthen its footprint nationwide and ensure that every Latino veteran has access to the support they deserve.

“We are thrilled to have such a dedicated and passionate group of individuals leading ALVA’s efforts in their respective regions,” said ALVA Founder/Chairman/CEO, Danny Vargas. “Their leadership and commitment will be instrumental in amplifying our mission and serving Latino veterans across the country.”

Please visit our website www.alvavets.org and follow us on social media @alvavets to learn more about our other programs and future events.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families. 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 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 since before its inception. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets

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ALVA Publishes Its 2024 Impact Report https://alvavets.org/2025/03/05/alva-publishes-its-2024-impact-report/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:01:05 +0000 https://alvavets.org/?p=1037 […]]]>

Herndon, VA – The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), the only national non-profit focused exclusively on helping all Latino veterans thrive and recognize their indispensable contributions, announces its 2024 Impact Report.

The Impact Report describes highlights of 2024 program activities, the populations served, a glimpse of future plans, as well as a message from its CEO and a statement of appreciation to its members and supporters. Among the highlights are the various partnerships to provide direct support for veterans, address veteran suicide prevention, and career progression; successful events including jobs match making with several employers, and ALVA Awards events in Washington, D.C and New York City; advocacy efforts on Captiol Hill; and much more.

“We are so very grateful for our members, supporters, allies, and friends who made 2024 a great year for ALVA and the Latino veterans we exist to support,” stated ALVA Founder/Chairman & CEO, Danny Vargas. He added, “Looking to the future, we expect to see many changes in the way our nation’s veterans are supported (some good; some bad). From physical/mental health care, to education, to financial support, to workforce development, and more. With this in mind, the work of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), like ALVA, is increasingly important”.

The full 2024 Impact Report can be found here: CLICK HERE FOR 2024 ALVA IMPACT REPORT

Please visit our website www.alvavets.org and follow us on social media @alvavets to learn more about our other programs and future events.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families. 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 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 since before its inception. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets

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