By Anna Galaktionov
As we celebrate the history, heritage and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, Barry University’s military veteran services offices will host the 2021 Veteran Resource Fair at the campus mall under the tent located across from the Cor Jesu Chapel, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct 14.
Lori Huertas, certifying official at the military/veteran services office and host of the fair, told The Buccaneer that “as the mission at veteran affairs includes taking care of our nation’s veterans, we cannot forget the service and sacrifices of our Hispanic American veterans.”
As an army mom, Huertas seeks to honor her son through this fair.
Since the Civil War, 60 Hispanic American service members received the Medal of Honor, one of which was Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, an Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Throughout the course of the war in Afghanistan, he saved a few of his fellow service members by grabbing an enemy grenade and throwing it back in the direction of the enemy. After the grenade exploded, Petry permanently lost his hand.
At the fair, student veterans will be able to network and obtain resources from various organizations such as Miami-Dade government, Wounded Warrior Project, and United Way. They will also enjoy food sponsored by the Miami Dolphins, participate in raffles, and take pictures with Bucky.
Interested students can RSVP for the event by emailing veterans@barry.edu.