LULAC DENOUNCES FORT CAVAZOS RENAMING BACK TO FT. HOOD AS A DISRESPECT TO ALL LATINOS IN THE MILITARY

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Decries Maneuver to Locate Soldier with Similar Surname as the Original Confederate Namesake

Washington, DC — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) expresses profound disappointment and strong opposition to the U.S. Army's decision to redesignate Fort Cavazos as Fort Hood. This abrupt reversal erases the rightful recognition of General Richard E. Cavazos, a decorated war hero and the first Latino four-star general in U.S. history. It replaces the name with that of a lesser-known figure, Col. Robert B. Hood, from World War I.

General Cavazos, a native Texan and son of Mexican American farm workers earned two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross twice, two Legions of Merit, and five Bronze Stars (with valor) and a Purple Heart. In January 2025, he was awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor posthumously. His service spanned four decades, during which he rose to command III Armored Corps, the unit headquartered at the base that once proudly bore his name. The decision to name Fort Cavazos in his honor acknowledged Latino service members' patriotic sacrifice and valor.

"This is more than a name change. This reversal erases our place in history and is an insult to every Latino who has worn the uniform with honor," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "General Richard Cavazos wasn't just a hero for Latinos. He was a hero for America. Reversing the decision to name a base after him sends a dangerous message that our contributions can be discarded when politically inconvenient. We will not stand by quietly while that happens."

LULAC urges the Department of Defense and Army leadership to reverse this decision and reinstate the honor bestowed upon General Cavazos. At a time when America desperately needs unity, stripping a Latino hero of his rightful recognition only deepens division and fuels the perception that our patriotism is still being questioned.

"We had hoped that the era of divisive politics invading military tradition was over. General Cavazos earned his place in our nation's military history through blood, sacrifice, and leadership," said Lawrence "Larry" Romo, LULAC National Vice President for Veterans Affairs and a retired Air Force officer. "One day, I believe we will return to honoring service above politics and celebrate the military as the unifying force it must remain," he added.

From the community at the heart of this decision, Analuisa Tapia, LULAC District Director in Killeen, Texas, voiced the reaction felt deeply by residents: "This redesignation is a thinly veiled attempt to mask the prejudice that still infects our systems. It is not about honoring Col. Hood. This name change is about dishonoring General Cavazos and the millions of Latinos who have served this nation. Our community sees this for what it is, and we are heartbroken and outraged."

"In every generation, Americans have answered the call to defend this country," concluded Palomares. "General Richard Cavazos represents the best of us: courage, character, and country above self. Let us not allow politics to undo our progress in honoring all who serve."

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.