Hispanic Heritage Month, Celebrating Past, Present and Future Achievement (cont'd)

"I am a part of the formal organization whose job it is to address issues that directly affect Hispanics at Goddard," said Krieger. A portion of Krieger's responsibilities includes working with HACE (Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees). "My job is to also inform the center director and Goddard management about issues and concerns for the Hispanic community at Goddard."

Future opportunities for members of the Hispanic community at Goddard continue to grow, according to Krieger. "Our programs have been very successful and we are fortunate to be able to attract and maintain individuals of extreme ability,"

Another plus, according to Krieger, is having these individuals rise to higher levels of management. In these positions, they continue to serve as role models, many with the desire to return home to tell others. There they are able to explain NASA and Goddard in a way that inspires the next generation to see the Agency in a whole new light.

In a proclamation signed by President George W. Bush it stated, "The Hispanic-American community has a long and important history of commitment to our Nation's core values, and the contributions of this community have helped make our country great. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the many achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their contributions to our country."

The proclamation also stated, "During this month, America celebrates the traditions, ancestry and unique experiences of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have enriched the American way of life, and we recognize the millions of Hispanic Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community have helped unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation. As entrepreneurs and public servants, scholars and artists, Hispanic Americans have provided wisdom, energy, and leadership to our communities, and to our country."

Employees are encoraged to attend the following events in observance of Hispanic Hertiage Month.

Thursday, September 18, 2003
To help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Orquesta de Guiros de Puerto Rico y Cuerdas de Borinquen (Guiro Orchestra of Puerto Rico) will be performing outside the Building 21 Cafeteria (Bldg. 3 Auditorium in case of rain) on Thursday, September 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. They are a 6-person musical group that travels the world to promote the instrument called the 'guiro,' which is made from a gourd and is typical in Puerto Rico.

	Photo from last year's Paella Night.

Friday, September 19, 2003
PAELLA NIGHT: The Goddard Hispanic Heritage Club (GHHC) is sponsoring the annual Paella Night on Friday, Sept. 19, at 5:00 p.m. at the Goddard Recreation Center. Come join Chef Al Diaz and the GHHC for a night of great food, music, and fun. Tickets are $18 for adults ($14 for GHHC members), $7 for young adults (12-17 years old), and free for children 12 and under. For more information or for tickets, contact Rosa at x6-4726, Gab at x6-4406, Gil at x6-2113, or Dan at x6-7913.