Sgt. William V. Fernandez of Reading, Pennsylvania dropped out of high school but joined the military to set his life straight. He later earned his GED and worked as a paramedic in California after leaving the Army. He then returned home to Reading and joined the National Guard to serve with his older brother. Among his personal effects, William left an unmailed letter addressed to his wife, Jennifer. "I knew the dangers of my chosen profession. I went to protect you, my family, and all Americans who cherish freedom. They sleep peacefully at night because brave men stand ready to do violence on their behalf," the letter read. He didn't have to be in Iraq. A member of the Fort Indiantown Gap-based Long Range Surveillance Detachment, Fernandez volunteered to be deployed with the 104th Cavalry. Fernandez, a medic who also trained as an infantryman and went to airborne school, had impressed members of his unit with his concern for others. Born the son of Carmen Fernandez, Reading, Pa. and the late Guillermo Valentin. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He was the recipient of several other medals and badges during his career, including the Bronze Star. Fernandez is survived by his wife Jennifer, stepdaughter Elizabeth Duesterhoeft, a sister, Milagros Valentin, and two brothers, Jose C. Fernandez, and David Vasquez. Other survivors include his stepfather, Santos Lozada, his maternal grandfather, Felipe Fernandez and his maternal grandmother, Juana Mellan. He was 37. On October 3 2008,a portion of the West Shore Bypass between Exeter Township and Reading was renamed the "Sergeant William V. Fernandez Highway"
Army
National Guard
1st Squadron
104th Cavalry Regiment
28th Infantry Division
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Army
National Guard
1st Squadron
104th Cavalry Regiment
28th Infantry Division
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sgt. William V. Fernandez of Reading, Pennsylvania dropped out of high school but joined the military to set his life straight. He later earned his GED and worked as a paramedic in California after leaving the Army. He then returned home to Reading and joined the National Guard to serve with his older brother. Among his personal effects, William left an unmailed letter addressed to his wife, Jennifer. "I knew the dangers of my chosen profession. I went to protect you, my family, and all Americans who cherish freedom. They sleep peacefully at night because brave men stand ready to do violence on their behalf," the letter read. He didn't have to be in Iraq. A member of the Fort Indiantown Gap-based Long Range Surveillance Detachment, Fernandez volunteered to be deployed with the 104th Cavalry. Fernandez, a medic who also trained as an infantryman and went to airborne school, had impressed members of his unit with his concern for others. Born the son of Carmen Fernandez, Reading, Pa. and the late Guillermo Valentin. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He was the recipient of several other medals and badges during his career, including the Bronze Star. Fernandez is survived by his wife Jennifer, stepdaughter Elizabeth Duesterhoeft, a sister, Milagros Valentin, and two brothers, Jose C. Fernandez, and David Vasquez. Other survivors include his stepfather, Santos Lozada, his maternal grandfather, Felipe Fernandez and his maternal grandmother, Juana Mellan. He was 37. On October 3 2008,a portion of the West Shore Bypass between Exeter Township and Reading was renamed the "Sergeant William V. Fernandez Highway"
Army
National Guard
1st Squadron
104th Cavalry Regiment
28th Infantry Division
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Army
National Guard
1st Squadron
104th Cavalry Regiment
28th Infantry Division
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
