Experience Costa Rica’s ‘la pura vida’ Published Oct. 14, 2010 By Capt. Dianna Porter 90th Forces Support Squadron F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- Hispanic Heritage means a lot to first generation Latin Americans. Hispanic Americans should be grateful to be serving a country that not only values but celebrates the cultural differences of its citizens. Air Force Global Strike Command, as well as the rest of the United States, is a melting pot, and Hispanic Americans contribute to this diversity. While visiting Costa Rica, people can experience "La Pura Vida." Pura Vida is an expression with many uses in Costa Rica. It can be an expression of gratitude, an exclamation of a positive thought, or a greeting. Translated directly, it means "pure life," but more accurately, it means "full of life." This is the culture of Costa Rica. Although Costa Ricans as a whole have little, they are a genuinely happy and friendly people. If visiting there, one can learn firsthand what Pura Vida really means. Costa Ricans enjoy life to the fullest every day. They don't sweat the small stuff, even if an unexpected storm comes crashing down and washes out their beach camp. No need to be rushing around fretting over the weather, just soak it all in. Seeing how happy people can be when they have little gives perspective on what happiness truly is. This year's Department of Defense's theme is "Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor Heritage: The Renewed Hope of America." The wing's point of contact for the Hispanic Heritage observance is Tom Gonzales, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. Mr. Gonzales and the Hispanic Heritage committee invites the base and local communities to attend the wing's Hispanic Family Fun Night today from 3 to 9 p.m. in the Fall Hall Community Center. There will be free food, games, a live band, prizes, Hispanic dancers and a car show.