Juan H. Hernandez

Juan H. Hernandez, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on February 27, 2015. Born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, Juan enlisted in the US Army in 1941 and served for 33 years until his retirement in 1974. During his tenure in the service, he served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Dominican Crisis. During his service he was awarded the following decorations: Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, eleven Good Conduct Medals, American Defense and American Campaign Medal, World War II European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, World War II Victory Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Korean Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Medalha Do Pacificador form the Government of Brazil. After retirement, he earned his Associate Degree of Arts in 1977 from the El Paso Community College, his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas-El Paso in 1981 and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources and Development from Webster University in 1991. Juan was an exemplary serviceman, husband and father. He was fluent in English, Spanish, and French and lived in Puerto Rico, French Guiana, Korea, France, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, West Germany, Panama, Vietnam, and the United States. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sara Calvo-Hernandez, of Bilbao, Spain, and children, Lieutenant Colonel, Army (Retired) Juan, wife Karin, Major, Army Reserve (Retired) Luis, wife Susan, Tomas and partner Pilar, Marisa and partner, Janet, grandchildren Sebastian, Isabel, Alex, and Christopher Hernandez, and great granddaughter, Sadie. We will celebrate our Papa's life at Hillcrest Funeral Home East on Sunday, March 8, from 5-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm. A prayer service will be held on Monday, March 9, at 9:15 am at Hillcrest Funeral Home East, and he will be buried at the Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors immediately following the service.