The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF) is a group of Commanders from each of the nine congressionally chartered Veterans service organizations. The CTF was created in 1988 to help make a stronger Veteran’s voice in legislation. For the first time in Minnesota’s history there are two Hispanic Commanders at the same time: Mick Aguirre for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Joe Mauricio of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). I got to sit down with both of these gentlemen and ask them about what this historic moment means to them:
When asked how he feels about being the first Hispanic Commander of his organization, Mick Aguirre said, “It is one of the highest honors I can ever achieve. There are approximately 6,425 Hispanic Veterans in the state of Minnesota. And to be able to represent them and all Veterans as a public figure and Commander of DAV is quite a challenge. I will always try and uphold the historic warrior tradition of the Mexican people.”
You have a rich history of service in your family as well, don’t you?
Aguirre: Yes. My father came from a family of 15: 11 sons and four daughters. Out of the 11 sons 10 of them served honorably in the armed services, one brother wasn’t able to serve because of medical circumstance so he worked at a bomber plant at Holman Field in St Paul. The city of St. Paul honored my family by naming a street after them of the St. Paul's East Side where we all lived.
Joe, how do you feel about being the first Hispanic Commander?
It is an honor to be Commander. But that wasn’t the reason I wanted to be Commander, I wanted to be Commander in order to let Veterans know that we all have a say and a part in the Veteran Community.
What, for you two, is the significance of having two Hispanic Commanders at the same time?
Aguirre: For both Joe and I to achieve the office of Commanders at the same time in our respective Veteran’s organizations is really noteworthy. Joe and I have known each other for a long time, both of us serving as former 4th District Commanders of Minnesota VFW. Having two Mexican State Commanders at the same time has never been done before in Minnesota, so that is significant in itself.
Mauricio: I think everyone should be aware that there are other nationalities serving in our military; we have fought, some have died, for the same reasons everyone fights: to protect this great country.
What does your friendship mean as Veterans, Commanders, and to the Hispanic community?
Aguirre: We established a bond of mutual respect and formed a bond of brotherhood. Our Mexican heritage gives us a unique perspective on Veteran’s needs, and issues dealing with the VA.
Mauricio: Mick and I have been friends for a long time. We have been a part of the same District and we like to continue to serve others, together. We are all one family, forever.
Is there a specific message or accomplishment you have as a Commander or hope to do in your position over the next year?
Aguirre: I hope to improve on the diversification of our leadership positions in our Veteran’s organizations: Our main mission is to ensure all Veterans, their spouses and children receive all the benefits they deserve and are entitled to, but my hope is that everyone feels represented.
Mauricio: I want all Veterans to know that we are one family, now and forever. As the country seems more divided, we—as Veterans, need to stay united. We need to welcome each other home and thank one another for the service they have contributed.
