Hometown Hero: David Hernandez A Life of Willing Service
By Tammy Thornton
F
or some people, serving is just a way of life. Our hometown hero, David Hernandez, has served in the United States Air Force since 2001. He is an ophthalmic technician and was recently an Air Force recruiter. Some of his duties have included humanitarian missions to underprivileged countries such as Bolivia, Thailand, and Belize, and Peru, where he served on teams to provide free medical attention to the poor. While stationed at the JBSA-Lackland base, he was in charge of 18 technicians in the Air Force’s largest ophthalmic clinic for five months during his supervisor’s deployment. He also directed the Air Education and Training Command’s
Promotion Ceremony to Master Sergeant First Term Airmen Center to orient 120 airmen to their first duty assignment. Due to his work ethic, love of the Air Force, determination, and positive outlook, Hernandez has earned much recognition in his military career. In 2013, Hernandez was promoted under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program (STEP). According
to the Air Force Medicine newsletter, “The number of men promoted under the STEP program is incredibly limited.” STEP promotions are a way for commanders to immediately promote enlisted members. Hernandez continues to receive honor and recognition and was recently promoted to Master Sergeant. Msgt. Hernandez realizes that
Destiny (DJ) Hernandez in her JROTC uniform
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