Master Sgt. George Andrew Fernandez, 36, died from a gunshot wound April 2 while fighting alongside ethnic Kurdish fighters in Iraq’s northern province.
His wife, Kathryn, and son, William Andrew, survive him. The family has asked the military to keep its personal information private and answer inquiries by saying that the family lives in the Fayetteville area.
The Fernandez family issued a statement through the Special Forces Public Affairs Office in Fort Bragg that thanked the members of the Special Operations community and Americans everywhere for their support.
“We grieve for the loss of a devoted husband and father, a loving son, a dedicated soldier,” the release said.
Fernandez was born in El Paso, Texas, the son of a U.S. Army sergeant major. He enlisted in the Army in 1992.
“Military service to America is a proud tradition of the Fernandez family,” the family statement said. “George was the third generation to serve his country as a senior noncommissioned officer. He served, not out of a sense of family obligation, but out of a sense of patriotic duty.
“He loved America and was proud to be a part of the Special Operations community.”
Fernandez climbed the ranks through basic training to platoon sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 2001.
The Army assigned him to the headquarters of U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg in November.
Details about the nature of Fernandez’s death haven’t been made public by the military. It is under investigation.
During his career, Fernandez received many medals and commendations. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “3” device.
He received the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge posthumously.
U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes spoke to the El Paso (Texas) Times about Fernandez’ death.
“Whenever we lose a soldier in combat, it’s always a sad day,” he said. “Master Sgt. George Fernandez was a Special Operations officer. Our Special Operations forces are a critical component of our armed forces, and their courage and patriotism is truly commendable.”
The Fernandez family statement said that he was a true patriot and was a proud member of the Special Operations community, but that his life meant more than his service to his country.
“He was equally devoted to his family, his wife and his son,” it said. “He will be missed by each of us in different ways. He is a true American hero.”
