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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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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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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