The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 24: Garifuna Distinguished Service in the U.S. Military

• Jose Francisco Avila • Episode 24

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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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Books by José Francisco Ávila

HOST: Hello, and welcome to The Garifuna Experience Podcast. I'm your host, José Francisco Ávila.

Today is Veterans Day, and we are dedicating this entire episode to honoring a powerful, often unsung, tradition: Garifuna Distinguished Service in the U.S. Military. This isn't just a career path for us; it’s a profound commitment that spans centuries.

A 200-Year Tradition of the Warrior Spirit

HOST: The Garifuna warrior spirit is over two centuries old. Our military history didn't begin in the US; it started with our very identity. For over two centuries, the Garifuna people have demonstrated a warrior spirit—from our resistance to British colonial rule in St Vincent, followed by our resistance to British colonial rule in what is now Honduras. In an interesting turn of fate, some of our ancestors initially allied with Spainto fight the British pirates menacing the coast.

Later, the Central American independence wars of the 1820s forced difficult choices. Many Garifuna sided with the Spanish Royalists, the conservatives, who mistrusted foreign models and defended traditional institutions. This put them in opposition to the liberal forces led by Francisco Morazán. Yet, our people fought on both sides.

A powerful example of this dedication is Juan Francisco Bulnes, or Walumugu, a Garifuna soldier who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with General Morazán himself. Bulnes was part of the platoon that fought in the decisive Battle of La Trinidad on November 11, 1827, a significant event in Honduran history.

This tradition of service followed us to the United States. Even before formal immigration, our people were contributing to global conflicts. During World War II, Garifuna in British Honduras—now Belize—served the British military. Some contingents were even deployed to Scotland to work in the vital timber industry, stepping in for Scottish men who had gone to the front lines.

This unbroken history of service is a pipeline of excellence, consistently building a cadre of highly skilled, disciplined individuals.

Impact and Influence: Beyond the Battlefield

HOST: Garifuna service is a foundational contribution to the U.S. military, spanning every major American conflict. This record of valor is a commitment to national defense, but its influence reaches deep into American society. This highly decorated record of service demonstrates a profound commitment to national defense, but the impact extends far beyond the battlefield.

For the Garifuna people, military service is more than a career; it's a profound commitment that spans centuries. But here’s the challenge: getting an accurate count of our people in uniform is difficult. The U.S. Department of Defense generally classifies most Garifuna service members under the broader "Latin American ancestry" category.

Yet, we know the commitment is massive. The Garifuna Veterans of America (GVA), founded in 2011 by Mr. Edson Arzu with men and women from Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, has stepped up to fill that gap. They have successfully identified hundreds of Garifuna veterans and active-duty members who have served in the U.S. armed forces since World War II. Their work recognizes people like Major Juan Arzu, a Garifuna immigrant from Honduras, who was honored for his two decades of service in the U.S. Army. It also highlights our maritime heritage, with a strong tradition of service in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Military service is a crucible for developing highly transferable skills: discipline, strategic thinking, and decisive leadership. This experienced and decorated group represents a significant, often overlooked, talent pool for American corporate leadership, project management, and strategic roles.

National recognition is finally beginning to match the scale of the contribution. We celebrate Derick Martinez, whose statue is featured at the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and Roberto Clotter, the first Garifuna Veteran inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany, New York.

It’s also vital to place this service in its historical context. Think about Lieutenant Wilfredo Baltazar Stokesbeing accepted into the U.S. Air Force language school in 1958, right during the oppressive Jim Crow era in the South. Despite systemic racial tensions, the military provided a clear, merit-based path. Lieutenant Stokes thrived, ranking 3rd in a class of 267 cadets, and was honored by Guatemala’s First Lady. Historically, military service became a crucial engine for social mobility and successful integration for the Garifuna community in the United States.

Roll Call of Distinguished Service

HOST: The list of distinguished Garifuna service members is a testament to our community's valor. We honor a few of these outstanding individuals:

  •  Seargent Major (ret) Sonia Lambert: A trailblazer who served 30 years in the U.S. Army. She successfully led an all-male platoon during Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s, earning their respect through firm, effective leadership.
  • George Lopez (Ret.): He holds the distinction of being the first Garifuna to reach the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, which is the highest enlisted rank possible.
  • Chief Warrant Officer 4 Janice Jupiter (Marie Love) US Army (ret): Enlisting in 1994, she ascended to become Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters Joint Personnel Management Branch and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award) for her service.
  • U.S. Army Maj. Juan Arzu (Ret.): A true combat veteran, he was deployed five times, serving tours in demanding areas including Egypt, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
  • Major Celso Castro (ret): Inducted during the Vietnam War in 1972, he served as a medical laboratory specialist and supported the war effort with jungle/infantry and special forces training in Panama.
  • Logistic Chief Jairo Naingo Guity US Navy active duty: A community hero, he was named NAVSUP Sailor of the Year in 2015, stationed with the Elite Blue Angels, and received the Bob Feller Act of Valor in 2019 for generating over 1,300 volunteer hours through his mentorship.
  • Linda Rodriguez: The pioneering first Garifuna woman commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard back in the 1970s.

This is a heritage of courage, commitment, and excellence that makes us all profoundly proud.

To the brave men and women of Garifuna descent who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. Military:

Thank you. Your service is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Garifuna people.

We recognize and honor the profound commitment demonstrated across generations—from the historic battles in Central America to the global conflicts faced by the United States. Your heritage of courage translates directly into an extraordinary record of distinction in all branches of the armed forces.

Though your contributions are often categorized broadly, your individual sacrifices are clearly seen and deeply valued by the community you represent. You have demonstrated exceptional discipline, leadership, and patriotism, not only defending freedom but also paving the way for future generations through your achievements.

We salute your valor and sacrifice. We will not forget your service. THANK YOU!

Outro: Power, Prosperity, and Progress

HOST: And that concludes another powerful episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast. Today, we truly stood in awe of the Garifuna Distinguished Service in the U.S. Military. Their sacrifices, their discipline, and their leadership have not only secured this nation but have also laid the foundation for us to continue driving Power, Prosperity, and Progress for the Garifuna people.

To all our veterans, and to those currently in uniform: We acknowledge your sacrifice. We thank you. We will always honor you.

Until next time, stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban Ayo!

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José Francisco Ávila

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