R 251930Z JUN 18
MARADMIN 353/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2018 NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH//
REF/A/PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION/31MAY2018/NATIONAL CARIBBEAN
AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH//
REF/B/WWW.CARIBBEANAMERICANMONTH.ORG//
REF/C/WWW.SUN-SENTINEL.COM/21JUN2004/CARIBBEAN AMERICANS IN U.S. HISTORY//
REF/D/MARADMIN 271/17//
REF/E/WWW.HQMC.MARINES.MIL/SMMC/PREVIOUS-SMMC/ARTICLE/553788/JOHN-L-ESTRADA//
POC/T. M. VELAZQUEZ/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On 31 May 2018, the President of the United States proclaimed the month of June as “National Caribbean American Heritage Month.”  This is the eighth year for this national observance.  During Caribbean American Heritage Month, we take the opportunity to recognize and appreciate all Americans of Caribbean heritage for their ongoing contributions to the prosperity of our nation.
2.  Throughout our nation(’)s history, Caribbean Americans have significantly contributed to our American character in all aspects of life to include our government and military.  Alongside founding father Alexander Hamilton, our nation(’)s first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury (Nevis), there are many notable Caribbean Americans who have selflessly served.  MajGen Luis R. Esteves is the first Hispanic to graduate from West Point and the founder of the Puerto Rico National Guard (Puerto Rico); and Colonel Virgil R. Miller served as the Regimental Commander of the 442d Regimental Combat Team, which during World War II was composed of "Nisei" [second generation Americans of Japanese descent] soldiers (Puerto Rico).  Dr. Antonia Novello, 14th U.S. Surgeon General (Puerto Rico); Colin Powell, 65th U.S. Secretary of State (Jamaica); and Dr. William Thornton, a physician and the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol building (British Virgin Islands), also made significant and unforgettable contributions.
3.  The Marine Corps too can boast of the many Marines of Caribbean American descent to include LtGen Pedro A. del Valle (Puerto Rico) and SgtMaj John L. Estrada (Trinidad and Tobago).  LtGen del Valle is acknowledged as the first Hispanic Marine Corps Lieutenant General.  Born on San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1893, he later graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1915.  During WWII in 1945, he was the CG, 1st Marine Division for the Battle of Okinawa.  Today, the Marine Corps offers the Pedro Del Valle Leadership Scholarship in his honor.  SgtMaj Estrada, the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, was born on Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago in 1955.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1973 and became the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in 2003. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2007, he was confirmed as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago in 2016 as a non-career appointee.
4.  During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions Caribbean Americans, both military and civilian, give to our country and Corps.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities.
5.  Release authorized by SES M. R. Strobl, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Acting.//