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On this Veterans Day episode, host José Francisco Ávila pays tribute to the remarkable, yet often overlooked, legacy of Garifuna soldiers in the U.S. Military. Discover the 200-year warrior tradition of the Garifuna people—from resisting colonial powers in St. Vincent (Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer at the  Carib Wars in 1795) and fighting in Central American independence wars (like Juan Francisco Bulnes at the Battle of La Trinidad in 1827) to serving in every major U.S. conflict since World War II.

We discuss the challenges of recognition, why the Department of Defense often classifies Garifuna personnel as "Latin American ancestry," and the vital work of the Garifuna Veterans of America (GVA). Hear inspiring stories of distinguished service members, including Master Chief Petty Officer George Lopez, Major Juan Arzu, and Sergeant Major Sonia Lambert, whose dedication has driven progress for the entire Garifuna community.

Theirs is a legacy of courage, commitment, and excellence.

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• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour 
•  Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)

Books by José Francisco Ávila

• Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity
• Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past