2023 National Hispanic Heritage Month

1. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from 15 September through 15 October. The 2023 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance theme can be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.defenseculture.mil/Human­Relations-Toolkit/Special-Observances/#national-hispanic-heritage-month. This year's theme is, "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One."
2. On 17 September 1968, Congress issued a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim the week including 15-16 September as, "National Hispanic Heritage Week." Congress amended this resolution in 1988 creating a 31-day observance month beginning on 15 September and ending on 15 October.
3. Lieutenant Colonel Aixa R. Dones is a Hispanic American, born in Illinois. Lieutenant Colonel Dones enlisted 16 May 1994 and attended bootcamp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. In 1996, Sergeant Dones was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning and Education Program and attended the University of Illinois, Chicago from May 1999 – May 2000 and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In March 2002, she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 2013, Major Dones was selected as the Marine Corps recipient of the 2013 LATINA Style Distinguished Military Service Award during her tour as the Support Battalion Executive Officer, Recruit Training Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Dones served in key billets to include Deputy Director, Commandant of the Marine Corps Protocol Directorate, Command Inspector General, and as the Deputy, Assistant Chief of Staff G-1. Lieutenant Colonel Dones served as the last Commanding Officer, Fourth Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina through its integration of male Marines in 2021 to its deactivation on 15 June 2023.
4. Our Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.
5. Release authorized by Lieutenant General, James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.