HAPCOA and NCIS Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

(Quantico, VA)  The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the Russell-Knox Building (RKB) Collaboration Center, NCIS Headquarters, Quantico, VA on Thursday, October 6, 2016.  Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15^th through October 15^th.  The theme of the NCIS event was “Embracing, Enriching and Enabling America.” 

President Obama issued the 2016 Presidential Proclamation in Spanish (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/14/proclamaci%C3%B3n-presidential-mes-de-la-herencia-hispana-2016).  In part his message read “Our nation has found strength in the diversity of our people.  With faith and passion, a strong work ethic and a deep devotion to family, the Hispanic community has helped to carry forward our legacy as a vibrant symbol of opportunity for all”.

Invited to serve as the 2016 NCIS Keynote Speaker was Anthony Chapa, Executive Director, Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA).  Also speaking at this year’s event was NCIS Special Agent Ivan Acosta who is Executive Assistant to Executive Assistant Director for Global Operations.  Executive Assistant Director John “Andy” Hogan provided closing comments.  Michael Lariosa, Special Emphasis Program Manager, NCIS Office of EEO & DIVERSITY coordinated the event.  Of special note, the 2015 Keynote Speaker was NCIS Special Agent in Charge (Hawaii Field Office) and HAPCOA 2011 National President, Philip ‘Tony’ Cox. 

HAPCOA members from the ranks of NCIS, to include past National Presidents Frank Hernandez and Tony Cox and current National Vice President Steve Noguera, continue to provide strong leadership in support of our vision and mission to “empower the future of law enforcement”.

Executive Director Chapa and EAD Hogan pose before the NCIS HQ entrance.