Kirtland celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations wrapped up at Hardin Field Oct. 3, 2019 at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The celebration featured live music, folkloric dance, food trucks, information booths, key note speakers and a car show.

For U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matilde Colomo, 377 Air Base Wing Law Office superintendent and Albuquerque, New Mexico native, celebrating Hispanic heritage is important because it takes him back to his roots.

“Being a Hispanic growing up in Albuquerque, being active duty and traveling the world, one thing that always draws me back is the culture and family,” said Colomo. “Especially with rich ties to the local community here, I believe that is extremely important.”

People belonging to the various units on base and mission partners of Kirtland AFB attended the festivities.

“Today’s event was an awesome turnout,” said Colomo. “A lot of people from the Air Force and the local community is what I enjoyed. Obviously the food was great. The music and the dancing was also awesome.”

Colomo chimed in on why it is important that service members stationed at Kirtland AFB celebrate Hispanic Heritage.  

“I heard Col. King Speak to that today,” said Colomo. “It is a unique opportunity to be stationed here in Albuquerque, because it is a unique culture. I’ve been all over the United States, overseas and all over the south west. In my opinion, nowhere compares to the unique culture that we have here.”