Fort Belvoir, Va. –
The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers announced the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month observance theme: “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.”
The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together.
DCAA invited employees to contribute their stories in celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Supervisory Auditor Christine White from the Hampton Roads Branch Office contributed her family’s story of service to our nation.
My grandfather, Jose’ Gorbea, moved his family from his native country to serve the United States Government in Washington, D.C. for many years as an Auditor and Controller for the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Commerce. My father, Paul Gorbea, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War as a Top Secret Fusion Analyst.
My uncle, Joseph Gorbea, first served for several years in the U.S. Coast Guard. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, he served the U.S. Navy for 30 years as an Auditor in the Naval Audit Service. Another uncle, Benjamin Gorbea, served fellow soldiers faithfully during the Vietnam War as an Army Chaplain.
Although they all made sacrifices, some large and some small, as Federal employees or members of the military, their commitments to serve the United States unconditionally resulted in great rewards for them and this country. Based on their examples, I chose to serve my country also by working for DCAA.
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.