Robert Hernandez— May 2006 Shipment Honoree

Army SSgt., 47, of Silver Spring, Md.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 318th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 80th Division (Institutional Training), Army Reserve, Fort Meade, Md.; killed March 28, 2006 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Taquaddum, Iraq.

Staff Sergeant Robert Hernandez, 47, of Silver Spring, Maryland, joined the United States Army in 1981 and spent more than three years on active duty.  Following his active duty tour, he joined the Army Reserve and in 1988 successfully completed the Army's Drill Sergeant School and served as a Drill Sergeant with 1st Brigade, 80th Division.  In 2003, after a break in service, he returned to the Army Reserve where he completed Military Police School and was assigned as a Military Police Drill Sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, 318th Regiment, 80th Division, at Fort Meade, Maryland. Staff Sergeant Hernandez was mobilized in May, 2005, to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He arrived in Iraq in August, 2005, and was assigned to the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I) J3 Convoy Security Company.  His duties included vehicle driver, gunner, scout, and tactical commander. 

Staff Sergeant Hernandez’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ ‘M’ Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon w/ the Bronze Numeral ‘1’, Drill Sergeant Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

As a civilian, he was employed as a Police Officer with the Prince George's County, Maryland, Police Department.  Staff Sergeant Hernandez is survived by his two sons, Xariel Hernandez and Micah Hernandez; his fiancé, Pricila Godley; and his mother, Juana Pizarro.

Chief High/County Police Department Mourn County Officer Killed in Baghdad

Source: Police Department, Prince George’s Country, Maryland

Prince George’s County Police Chief Melvin C. High today said that Prince George’s County Police Department is mourning the loss of Corporal Robert Hernandez, a county officer who was an Army Reservist deployed in Iraq. The only details available to the Police Department at this time are that his convoy was struck by an explosive device at approximately 9:00 p.m. E.S.T.

“Today this Department is deeply saddened by the loss of our brother Corporal Robert Hernandez. On behalf of my office, our Command Staff and all the men and women of this Department, our hearts are with Officer Hernandez’ fiancé and other family members,” said Police Chief Melvin High.

County Executive Jack Johnson said, ‘I’m heart broken by this loss, and I know the people of Prince George’s County will keep Corporal Hernandez’ family in their prayers, as I will. It is a tragic loss for our county, and the nation.”

Corporal Hernandez was a 10-year-veteran of the department; he served the last four years in Police District II.  His Commanding Officer Major Michael Blow said Corporal Hernandez was a hard working officer who easily earned the respect of his fellow officers. He said Hernandez volunteered to be a Field Training Officer (FTO) to help new officers graduating from the Police Academy gain “real world” experience. His squad won a unit citation in 2000 for organizing care packages for food victims in Mozambique. “His loss will be felt throughout the District, the Department and the community, “Blow said.

Hernandez joined the Prince George’s County Police Department with experience from both the Metropolitan Police Department and the Baltimore City Police Department. A Staff Sergeant and Army Reservist, Hernandez was a 24-year military veteran. He had been deployed in Iraq since last summer.

Corporal Hernandez is survived by his family in Silver Spring, his fiancé, his adult son and two children. The rest of his family, including his parents, lives in Puerto Rico.