Giving Compass' Take:

• Latino veterans make up 15 percent of active military personnel, but very few make it to the highest ranks of the military. 

• How can donors spread awareness of the history of Latino service as they support these communities? 

Read about how Latinos are shaping the future of the American dream. 


The Latino community has a long and proud history of serving this country; Latino sons and daughters have not hesitated to defend this nation’s honor and have shown their allegiance through military service and sacrifice. Our community has established a long tradition of exemplary devotion as evidenced by the 40 plus Latino Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

The Latino community has helped build and defend this country since its inception. Whether it was General de Galvez leading a diverse military force in the American Revolution, the western vaqueros of the Civil War, or the 500,000 Latino veterans whom honorably served in World War II, these brave men and women are our community’s veteranos and have established a legacy of valor.

Ideals of unrelenting service, patriotism and sacrifice are core principles that Latinos value and actively work to embody in our everyday decisions and routines.

Latinos make up 15% of active duty military personnel, including 21% of active duty Marines.

Across America, Latinos protect neighborhoods as police officers and first responders, guide young people as teachers and mentors, and boost economic growth as business owners and operators. We have built iconic skyscrapers, designed classic American automobiles, and created trendy new fashions.

It is without question that Latinos are proud to serve this country and have done so with distinction, despite rarely making it into the highest ranks of the military. Acknowledgement of Latino history of service and patriotism is as important to recognize today as it ever has been with a return to heightened harmful rhetoric culminating in acts of hate and violence as evidenced by the shooting in El Paso, TX to kill Mexicans.

Read the full article about acknowledging Latino veterans by Rodrigo Garcia at The Aspen Institute.