CHC Applauds Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for Making Fort Cavazos a Reality and Calls for Honoring More Hispanic Military Leaders
Washington, D.C. – TheCongressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and members of the Naming Commission to highlight the importance of Hispanic representation in the names of military assets. The CHC then followed up with recommendations for the renaming of Fort Hood and Fort Bragg.
The Naming Commission recently presented its final report, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the recommendations. True to the CHC's request, Fort Hood will be named after General Richard E. Cavazos; however, Fort Bragg will not be named after Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez despite CHC's request. Nevertheless, the CHC will continue to look for ways to honor his legacy and the valor of our Hispanic servicemembers like Specialist Vanessa Guillen.
"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus applauds Secretary Austin for these historic changes. Fort Cavazos, named after the first Mexican-American to reach the rank of four-star general, will be a location all Americans can be proud of," said Chair Dr. Raul Ruiz.
"For generations, young service members of color have lived, worked, and trained at military installations named for Confederate leaders who would have been hostile to their service. Under Secretary Austin's directive, the Department of Defense will ensure that our military assets reflect a legacy that all Americans can be proud to honor," said Congressman Joaquin Castro. "I am especially glad to see the adoption of the Naming Commission's recommendation to rename Fort Hood in honor of General Richard E. Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general and a decorated veteran who inspired many young patriots to follow in his footsteps. Hispanic and Latino troops have served with valor and distinction throughout our nation's history, and I hope that Fort Cavazos will be a welcoming community where all service members and military families feel at home."
"I commend Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's directive to rename Fort Hood and remove all traces of Confederate leaders," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "This renaming directive is a strong step forward in adequately honoring the legacy and service of Latino servicemembers – like my constituent, the late Specialist Vanessa Guillen. Fort Hood will now be named Fort Cavazos in honor of Mexican American U.S. Army General Richard E. Cavazos – who was the first Latino four-star general. The names of military bases matter, they inspire and empower our military members. I look forward to the Department of Defense continuing to ensure our military bases uplift and honor Latinos and their military sacrifice."
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.