SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego chapter of the Association of Naval Services Officers received the Padres Comunidad Award at Petco Park from the Padres’ Hispanic Community Advisory Council, Aug. 25.
Maj. Kevin Cortes, ANSO national vice president and Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 3 executive officer, and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edgar Guerrero, ANSO president for the San Diego chapter, accepted the award on behalf of their chapter. Cortes finds time outside of work as a Marine officer to help underprivileged children. He has worked in areas such as San Ysidro, Calif., where he encourages disadvantaged youth to pursue higher education.
The award presented to ANSO San Diego was for supporting law enforcement and military communities, or “SERVE.”
ANSO consists of officers from the Navy, Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard. The San Diego chapter reached out to improve lives of Hispanic youth, earning them the award.
“We go out to different school districts where we can tutor and mentor these kids,” said Cortes. “Some of the areas they grow up in aren’t the best for their development. I’m humbled and honored that we were recognized for our work.”
The Padres’ Hispanic Community Advisory Council gives out four awards throughout the year representing different categories.
“This is the third year the award is being presented,” said Alex Montoya, San Diego Padres Latino Affairs manager. “Tonight was a special night to honor the ANSO and what they do for our local youths.”
All Hispanic Heritage Comunidad Award winners are slated to be honored together Sept. 16 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.