Hispanic contributions

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and in remembrance of the men and women who have molded the history of this great nation, the Republican Party of Wisconsin celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.

President Ronald Reagan declared Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage month in 1988. We continue to celebrate the spirit of Hispanic Americans by honoring their achievements and sacrifices that made this a better nation.

Among our government officials, Hispanic Americans have held positions of leadership — helping shape policy at all levels of government. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was the first Latina ever to be elected to Congress. Susana Martinez was elected as the first Latina governor in the United States and was named “Woman of the Year” by Hispanic Business Magazine for reducing taxes and cutting regulation in the state of New Mexico. Jessie Rodriguez, born in El Salvador, was the first Hispanic immigrant in Wisconsin history to be elected to the state Legislature.

Hispanic Americans have long served within the ranks of our military, fighting for freedom and liberty. Sergeant Rafael Peralta, a Mexican-born immigrant gave his life during the invasion of Fallujah in Iraq when using his body as a shield to absorb the blast of a grenade and save his fellow Marines. Sergeant First Class Agustin Ramos Calero received 22 medals making him the most decorated Hispanic American in World War II. SFC Calero was known as “The One-Man Army” for singlehandedly holding back German forces in battle during World War II.

Hispanic entrepreneurs have been starting businesses at a pace 15 times the national average adding $660 billion to the economy. According to a recent University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee study, Hispanic-owned firms in the Milwaukee region grew by 82.3% between 2007-2012. This represents the 10th highest increase in Latino business ownership among our nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. Hispanic owned businesses play an important part of our state’s economy and will play an even greater role in the future.

Ivan Gamboa Chair, Hispanic Heritage Council Republican Party of Wisconsin Milwaukee