This week in Fence Post we are recognizing some of our FSA veterans in honor of Veterans Day. These men and women come from every region of the United States and represent all branches of the armed forces. We say thank you to all of our veterans for your service to this country.
Victor Manuel Hernandez is a farm loan officer trainee in Santa Maria, Calif.
Marines are first and foremost riflemen. Honor, courage and commitment are the core values by which we live. Good day gladiators, my name is Victor Manuel Hernandez, but my real name is Marine.
I enlisted when I was a junior in high school and upon graduation I was shipped to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. I thought I’d start the New Year off with a fresh haircut and a new pair of boots, Ooh Rah. As a first generation American-born, I served the allegiance my father pledged when he became an American citizen. There were many inspirational figures in my life as an adolescent, but to keep the list simple they were Marines. None ever pushed or suggested the Marine Corps as an option, rather it was the leadership by example that intrigued and ultimately brought me to my recruiter’s doorstep. I would be the first of my family to join the armed forces setting a tradition that has not lapsed a day since my end of active service.
Two family members and I were at the Kuwaiti border at the onset of Operation Enduring Freedom and experienced the initial strike. The next generations served in Afghanistan and now continue to serve state side.
My commitment has been such that I hope to be bestowed the privilege of becoming an officer in the reserves.
If one ever wonders how the Marine Corps benefits Marines after active service, I recommend this short 
read from a recent interview with General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Veterans are all too often sorted by military occupational specialties, combat vet, non- combat vet, war vet, non-war vet, but the truth of the matter is that when the oath is taken, all of that becomes a blur and every member of every branch of service joins together to make the sacrifice that we veterans are all but too proud to share.
To all my veterans out there, don’t forget you have a Marine on the Western Front still serving at the tip of the spear. Happy Veterans Day to all the veterans and especially to my Marine brothers as we celebrate 236 years of the U.S. Marine Corps!
Special Reverence to; Jose Luis Hernandez, Combat Engineer USMC; Aurelio Hernandez, Radio Operator USMC; Nestor Joaquin Ortiz, Infantry USMC; and Hugo Hernandez, Aircraft Mechanic USMC (Family/Marines/Veterans).
