Workforce Language Services

The Grand Island Independent profiled National Guardsman Adrian Velez, who serves as one of two Hispanic liasions in Nebraska.  Through community outreach, he attempts to diffuse some of the fear and suspicion many Latinos, legal and illegal, have of people in uniform, especially if that uniform is tied to law enforcement. 

“There is a misconception of the National Guard,” Velez said. “People see the uniform, and (as guardsmen) we’re misperceived as part of a legal system putting people in jeopardy. People also think we just do the war thing.”

He uses those moments to tell people about the Guard’s domestic missions, such as helping with disaster relief, he said.

Velez attends school-related events, swings into Hispanic community cultural centers and attends meetings. He talks to people about the Guard and answers questions wherever he can.

The article also speaks about Velez’s outgoing and kind personality, which definitely allows him to connect with people and show them the man behind the uniform.  Because of his personality, he’s found that he’s made inroads with the Latino community and has been able to help families make more informed decision about whether involvement in the National Guard is right for them.