This is the Harsh Reality for Latina U.S. Veterans

Army member standing in front of the American flag.

Latinx Veterans Sacrifice for their country, but their Country often Casts them Aside

Veterans in the U.S suffer an inordinate amount of injustices, some of them unfathomable, at the hands of the government they swore to protect. From lack of healthcare to homelessness, the list is long and well documented. When it comes to the Latino veteran population, more specifically Latina veterans, these struggles are oftentimes worse, and because the Latina military and veteran population is still a small percentage of the overall veteran population, their specific struggles are largely ignored.



Misogyny within the military

For example, Vanesa Guillen’s tragic disappearance and murder weren’t a priority for the military or the media for months. It took the family’s ceaseless efforts to finally get the attention of the media which then pressured the military to actively investigate Guillen’s disappearance until her body was ultimately found.

Its impact within the Latinx community and community-at-large reignited a long-standing discussion about the need for systemic changes within the military to solve a problem that has always existed: the misogynistic and highly toxic sexist military culture. Many Latina and women Veterans have spoken out about their own experiences when serving, and how the harassment they endured made their service to their country even more difficult.

Many put their trauma on display and told stories of sexual harassment, humiliation, and gender-based discrimination. Their voices, while important and courageous, continue to be silenced and ignored. Little research and testimonials exist specifically about Latinas in the military.

Inclusion

Despite the challenges, Latinx veterans have frequently raised their voices to demand better treatment. Latinos make up about 16 percent of active duty service members, and Latino veterans make up about 6% of the veteran population in the US and many have spoken out about how they’re still not treated as Americans, even after serving their country.

Latino Civil Rights organization American G.I. Forum fought a legal battle for Latinx veterans demanding that Latinx veterans receive what their white counterparts received by default: GI benefits, including medical care, education funding, as well as equity in schooling and employment. To add insult to injury, there are hundreds of veterans who have been deported forcing many to live in exile without medical care for the injuries they sustained while they were in service to the United States.

Culture

Many Latinos join the military to feel a sense of accomplishment because they are protecting their families and making them proud. Studies have shown, however, that Veterans often struggle to adjust to their family life once they’ve returned from service, and while this can be a difficult adjustment for anyone of any race, the significance for Latinos who tend to have very close family dynamics is undeniable.

Veterans often struggle with issues such as PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues. This is further compounded in a community that already has serious issues regarding mental health. Mental health in the Latinx community, especially amongst men, is highly stigmatized so seeking help can also be more complicated for a Latinx veteran because of cultural stigmas and mores. These issues often lead to domestic violence and other types of violence. For many Latinx people, family is at the root of everything, and facing these struggles proves incredibly difficult.

Will it get better?

There has been an increased amount of advocacy for veterans in recent years, from high profile celebrities like Jon Stewart dedicating entire episodes of his shows to the topic to media covering the issues they face with more scrutiny, to Congress actually increasing support and benefits for veterans, the signs are there.

With a government so willing to ship people off to war, it makes sense that only 17% of Congress has actually served. Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) recently released a book that details his time in the “Lima Unit,” the hardest-hit Marine unit during the Iraq war. It’s at least one more sign that veterans will one day get more than a salute and a thank you a few times a year.

Yuri Vega wearing a red sleeveless top looks at the camera. She has long blonder hair and is standing in front of a white brick wall

When Yuri Vega and Rommel Vega launched their footwear brand Holo Footwear two years ago, they had no idea where their journey would take them. Latina footwear ownership is almost non-existent and where it does exist, the products are often fashion shoes. Yuri and her partner decided to take on the extremely male-dominated sneaker market instead.

Not only did they choose to enter a very competitive market, but they took it a step further (pun intended) by deciding to make their products sustainable so that people don't have to choose between style, comfort, or mother Earth.

The path Yuri has taken is nothing short of inspiring and we hope she inspires other Latinas to walk in her shoes, literally.

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