[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 HONORING SERGEANT MAJOR RICHARD ``ROCKY'' HERNANDEZ, SR., U.S. ARMY, 
                                RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant 
Major Richard ``Rocky'' Hernandez, Sr., U.S. Army, Retired. As a man 
who has lived his life in the service of his country and fellow man, it 
brings me great pride as a Texan to highlight the life of this public 
servant who has inspired many to pay the good will forward. SGM 
Hernandez selflessly served with distinction throughout his life in the 
military, the School District of Killeen, and the volunteer service 
that brought much needed help to retired veterans.
  SGM Hernandez was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in March 1946. 
Heeding the call to service, SGM Hernandez departed high school early 
and enlisted in the U.S. Army in May, 1963. During his U.S. Army career 
he served over 14 years in Germany, deployed for one tour in Korea, and 
served two tours in Vietnam. While in Vietnam SGM Hernandez was 
assigned to the 196th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division. SGM 
Hernandez was wounded in action on March 23, 1969 by enemy mortar fire 
and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
  After achieving the rank of Sergeant Major, Rocky medically retired 
in 1989 having been disabled through peacetime and wartime injuries 
sustained in the service of his country. Nevertheless, SGM Hernandez 
would not be kept down for long. Following his military retirement SGM 
Hernandez served another 20 years for the Killeen Independent School 
District.
  Yet still the call to serve and desire to help others burned inside. 
After joining a local Veterans Organization and hearing the voices of 
veterans seeking help, SGM Hernandez felt inspired to help his fellow 
veterans and their families navigate the complex VA system. In 1994 SGM 
Hernandez became a volunteer Veterans Service Officer. Since that time, 
SGM Hernandez has helped hundreds of veterans gain their well-deserved 
benefits. Today SGM Hernandez serves as Citizen on Patrol, where he 
continues his service with his eyes and ears to fight crime and evil 
wherever it resides.
  After serving two full careers, SGM Hernandez exemplifies what it 
means to be an American and a Texan. May we follow the examples of 
great men such as SGM Hernandez and live our lives in the service of 
our fellow men and country. I join SGM Hernandez's family and friends 
in wishing him nothing but the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________