Team Redstone will celebrate national Hispanic Heritage Month, Thursday at 10 a.m. in Bob Jones Auditorium with keynote speaker Rey Almodóvar, musical entertainment, essay and poster contest presentations and Hispanic food sampling.
The month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to honor Hispanics who have positively impacted and influenced every sector in this nation, including our military, culture, politics, economy, religion, science and the arts.
Almodóvar has had a positive influence in both his professional career and personal life and is a longtime resident of the community.
“The Army’s commitment serves as reminder to honor our heritage and recognize that Hispanic Americans have been significant contributors to the forming of America and undoubtedly will be a part of its future,” Almodóvar said.
Almodóvar began his Army career in 1984 as a federal civilian working on such systems as the Multiple Launch Rocket System, the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense prior to becoming the co-founder and chief executive officer of Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation in 1999.
This year’s national theme “Embracing, Enriching and Enabling America,” honors the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.
Hispanic-American Soldiers have served in the Army for more than 236 years in support of the nation and securing peace worldwide.
“Hispanic Americans have been active in every conflict and war since the Civil War,” Almodóvar said. “They have made many contributions towards the U.S. Army and national defense, and many civilians have accomplished important discoveries in science and engineering.
“We are all responsible for charting our path forward and Hispanic Americans are well-equipped to succeed by embracing America’s values, enriching our heritage and enabling the success of our communities.”
Almodóvar, a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, is a licensed professional engineer and holds a bachelor’s in engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, a master of science in engineering from the University of Arkansas and a master of science in business administration from Texas A&M University.
“Growing up in Puerto Rico in a middle class environment prepared me to face life challenges at an early age,” he said. “But after I finished college and relocated to the United States, I quickly realized the nature of the American experience, how the nation was built and the challenges it had to overcome.
“I believe my background growing up and the commonalities experienced from evolving societies prepared me to integrate into the existing American culture and shaped me to be an integral and active member of our society.”
In 2008, Almodóvar was recognized as one of the Top 100 Latino Entrepreneurs in the U.S. by Hispanic Enterprise Magazine.
Almodóvar, along with his wife Cynthia, is active in the Huntsville community through mentoring and volunteering to “make our community a better place.” He is involved in the National Children’s Advocacy Center, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the vice chair on the School of Engineering advisory board at his alma mater in Puerto Rico, and supports charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, as well as local schools and young professionals.
“Team Redstone has always played a key role in promoting diversity and providing opportunities for Hispanic Americans,” he said. “To me, regardless of your background, there is a lot to be learned from each other’s culture and heritage.
“It is my hope that Team Redstone continues to promote cultural awareness events so we can continue to appreciate each other and realize that diversity expands our horizon and brings a unique perspective to our lives.”
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