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William Fernandez Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Fernandez
Charlie Gili
September 22, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of William V. Fernandez US Army Specialist.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Charlie Gili
September 22, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of William V. Fernandez US Army Specialist.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Charlie Gili
September 22, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of William V. Fernandez US Army Specialist.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Charlie Gili
September 22, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of William V. Fernandez US Army Specialist.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Charlie Gili
September 22, 2019
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of William V. Fernandez US Army Specialist.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
May 25, 2019
Remembering you this Memorial Day weekend, Wil. Worked with you at CHOMP ED 1992-2000? You were a great team player and now I know why. I didnt know of your prior service.
Thank you my friend
Old friend of Jose C. Fernandez, formerly married to Sheila McGill while stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas.He was an old Army buddy of mine 9103824489
Brian Ewing
April 13, 2014
A Brenneman
May 9, 2013
You are a great unselfish man. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God bless you and your family.
February 12, 2013
In memory & honor of William Fernandez. We remain indebted to him for his service and sacrifice.
Kathy Smith-Villarreal
September 20, 2011
Remembering You And Thanking You!
Peggy Childers
September 19, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. William V. Fernandez:
Please accept my remembrance of William on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Paul Farrell
March 7, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 15, 2010
with this candle may you light the way
Peggy Childers
September 19, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. William V. Fernandez:
Remembering William on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Jennifer Fernandez
September 19, 2009
Four years seems at once a lifetime and too short a time, Will. I can never and will never forget you. You loved life and all its richness and beauty - remember our walks at French Creek and Hawk Mountain, the sunsets and the skies, the gardens and the flowers, the woods and the creeks? We would always find joy and inspiration in nature. Remember our long conversations in the evenings, how we never failed to find humor in the mundane aspects of life, how our infectious laughter fed off those silly situations we'd create?. You were already a hero to me before September 19th. You are looking at me now, from the snapshots on the fridge to the framed pictures on the shelves in the nook. You are in my heart every day, Will, and I am blessed to have had you in my life.
Jennifer
Peggy Childers
September 19, 2009
To the family of Spc. William V. Fernandez:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Steve Ervin
September 18, 2009
I am looking for family members of Will. My name is Steve Ervin. I made a tribute video for his unit that was presented in December 2007.
Please email me [email protected]
I want to share the video online for those interested in downloading it.
Brenda
July 3, 2009
Will has a highway sign on 422 and it feels so sad to see it; doubly so since he was too modest in life to accept an honor like that. Although most of the people who see it have no idea who Will was, I will always know and always be reminded that he chose to be a soldier and he did it gladly.
Kenna Larra
May 30, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Kenny Rivera
May 5, 2009
First and foremost my condolences to the valentin and fernandez family,I met william at Fort Ord CA. when he first joined the regular army, he was a skinny kid who couldn't weigh more than 110LBS he was in my squad we were good friends. I just found out today about his passing away because i decided to google his name, I am at a lost and I pray that his entire family can find some peace william loved the army that I know is true we were together when we went to jungle training in Panama and when he went to Combat leadership course and when he went to air assault trainging I remember when he got his car shipped out to fort Ord we drove around the base till we got tired.he always talked about back home.I never met his wife but my heart and prayers go out to her and to the entire family. One thing William Valentin Fernandez said back when he was an E-1 private and everyone thought he was going to fail air assault school.I am going to take advantage of every opportunity given to me every school every course no one will make me backdown I will not fail.The last time I spoke to william he was in Panama during the invasion, I said to him are you done with everything you need to do,when you get out come visit me in jersey,he said sure will brother, God Bless. that was the last time we spoke.Now Willy can rest he has done and achieved everything he set his mind to and it was impossible to hold back the eternal optimist.How sad to lose a friend.but my brother this could possible be the begining of a new adventure,we all will meet again God willing. dios bendiga la familia valentin fernandez
Jennifer
January 30, 2009
Well, my dear, you left me a list of things to do/accomplish, and I've got them all but one (still working and waiting on that last one, but it will come in God's own time, I guess). I'm also following your advice and attending college. I have applied as a transfer student to a prestigous college; I'm hopeful for acceptance. Thank you for all the support you gave me, and thank you for the strength you instilled in me.
"I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you."
I love you!
Ben Gomez
September 19, 2008
Will,
It's three years since that tragic day in Ramadi, Iraq. Heros like yourself are never forgotten and are always in our hearts and prayers.
Today is my daughters first birthday and I have to say that I see a little of Mark, Mike, and yourself in her.
She's tough, spunky and always giggling or up to no-good.
A few weeks ago the US Military gave control of Al-Anbar province back to the Iraqi forces. This only came about because of your dedication, selfless service and ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you Will.
God Bless!
In Memory of William ~ (Debra Estep)
September 19, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know William, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
July 22, 2008
To the family and friends of Spc. Fernandez,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave young men like Spc. Fernandez.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Spc. Fernandez to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
May 9, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Fernandez!
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 23, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Fernandez and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Kathy Villarreal
May 28, 2007
Sandman,
Another Memorial Day is upon us, and I remember you , not just today, but every day. Often driving thru Seaside and seeing places that you had been. I often pass the motel where I last saw you before you were deployed, and had the oppertunity to meet Jennifer, and think of those last words we shared face to face....you saying "Thank you for being my friend" I can NEVER thank you enough for your sacrifice and bravery. I will be heading back to Altoona in late July, and I'm hoping I can make it to Reading to pay my respects at your grave site. You are my hero "Mr. Bill"! I love you and miss you!
SFC Ben Gomez
May 27, 2007
Will,
Memorial Day is here tomorrow and my thoughts are with you, Mark Dooley and Mike Egan. This holiday had some impact on me prior to going to Iraq, but now it means so much more since your passing. I can never thank you fully for the greatest sacrifice anyone can could ever offer for their country. It would have been 15 years since I first met you and I cherish your sense of humor and devotion to your country. We miss you very much and hope that we will meet again some day in the Kingdom of God. This holiday I will fly a flag outside my house that I had flown in Iraq and has been folded ever since. I wear your KIA bracelet everyday and I will never forget you brother.
Jennifer Fernandez
May 21, 2007
Every Memorial Day is now special because of you, Will. Every freedom I once took for granted, is now blessed because of you. I know St. Michael watches over me, because of you. I will never forget what you taught me, and I will never lose the strength you gave me. You are always in my heart.
October 22, 2006
To the Family of Spc. William V. Fernandez:
Your son's name, along with our sons, is forever together on a Memorial standing at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. Their dogtags hang together forever moving with the wind creating a subtle sound, like the quiet whispers of the Fallen as they continue to speak to us. Attending this Memorial Dedication and hearing your child's name being read along with ours, has prompted me to sign this soldier's guestbook.
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Garnet Jenkins
September 19, 2006
Remembering Spc. William V. Fernandez, on the anniversary of the day he gave his live for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
May William rest in God's Loving Care and know that he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and Comfort, continue to be with the Fernandez family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
"Some people come into our lives and stay for a short while, others leave footprints on our hearts that will last forever." ~Author Unknown~
Ben Gomez
September 15, 2006
Will, Its been one year since your passing and not a day goes by when I think of you, Mike Egan and Mark Dooley. All great warriors and comrade in arms that paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We miss you and you'll never be forgotten.
Dennis Amrhein
September 15, 2006
Here it is a year now, since you have left us and you are not forgotten.
Words cannot describe the feelings we all have for your missing presences
and in short we love and miss you all.
Linda Flannery
June 10, 2006
I did not know Spc Fernandez. I am just a grateful American woman who wanted to express my heartfelt sympathies to his family.
I hope you have found comfort in your loving memories of William.
My flag flies in his honor.
ROBYN GARSIDE
June 7, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Kathy V
May 30, 2006
Sandman,
Remembering you on this day, Memorial Day. Because of you, the Pledge of Alligence and our National Anthem have new meaning to me. I think of you often, and you and your family are always in my prayers.
May 29, 2006
My darling Will, Memorial Day has a special meaning for me this year. It's been 252 days but you're always in my heart. You are my life and my love.
---- Your loving wife, Jennifer
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 3, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Fernandez family in the loss of your dear son/brother/husband and hero William. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart. I am sorry on the first one I submitted I failed to mention husband.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 3, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Fernandez family in the loss of your dear son/brother and hero William. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Emily Hernandez
November 3, 2005
Dear Willie,
I am so deeply saddened that life did not allow us to meet until the day of your funeral, I am comforted by the thought that you are in the hands of the lord. In your honor I vow to remain close to our family. My dear nephew words can't describe how much I love you. I know you live in all of us now, but my heart remains in pieces. Shine your light down on us and keep us close to you. Love always your Tia Emily.
October 23, 2005
Jennifer and Family,
I am so very sorry for your great loss. Your husband was with mine that day ,Sgt. Michael Egan . I wish there was something we could do to take this Sureal Pain from our heart's. Please know I am Here. You and your Family will alway's be in my Thought's and Prayer's.
God Bless
Love ,Maria Egan
[email protected]
Jason Harrington
October 21, 2005
Jennifer and family,
I would like to take this oppurtunity to say that it was an honor to serve with will. I was on his team along with Sgt. Egan. It was either Will or myself out on that mission that day. We had a brief friendly argument over who would go out that day and Will being the unselfish person that he was, told me to stay back and get some rest. I don't know why it had to be him but just know that Will died that day for you and everyone else in this great country that we live in. He believed in the Iraqi's and that we could make it change for the better. He had no hatred for them whatsoever and his dedication to the mission will be greatly missed. A month later it is still hard getting used to not having Will around. Everything about him as a person and as a soldier is missed. I can't express enough sympathy for you and your family. I only wish there was something that could have been done that day to prevent our loss. But we will learn from our dreadful experience that day and continue our mission so that his death will not be in vain.
Marion Dooley
October 21, 2005
Our hearts are aching over the death of William. Our son, Mark Dooley, was with William when they were killed. We understand your grief and pain.
Our son left us a letter in case he did not return. He told us we would be together again in God's perfect time.
I have heard from everyone that these three men were kind and thoughtful. They were liked by all their friends and the loss is felt by everyone. Just know we are thinking of you too. Love, Marion Dooley
Pedro Rivera
October 20, 2005
I served in iraq with wil ,he was always in such a good mood. it made me so happy to have known him .he was a good man and a good friend i am so sorry to lose such a brother in arms miss you always pete
Judy Evans
October 14, 2005
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Judy Evans. My son was SPC William Evans. He was killed in the same convoy as your husband. He was in the bradley. I am so sorry for you loss. I know that it isn't enough to bring our boys home but I just want you to know that I will pray for your family as well as the other families that lost loved ones that day. Our hearts will always ache for them but I know I will see them again in eternity. Please know that if you need someone to talk to and understand what you are going through we are here. I was only shown this site today and am sorry I had no way to get ahold of you sooner. I did not forget that my son was not alone that day. I only wish I had known all the boys my son was with. I am very proud of all of them. May God show his Grace upon your family during this time.
Kenny Hernandez
October 11, 2005
To a good friend and great Airborne soldier who exceeded his peers in every task. William you will be miss your friend and battle buddy Spc Hernandez
Ben Gomez
October 9, 2005
SGT William Fernandez,
Will you are definitely missed here very much. We're still in Ramadi, Iraq and we have your picture posted on the wall along with SGT. Egan and LT Dooley. Everyday I walk by the pictures and remember the great and funny times we all shared. We lost three great warriors and friends in one day, we miss all of you very much. I met you in the 7th ID at Fort Ord CA in 1991 and our paths crossed again in 2003 in Pennsylvania. Its a small world and I'm glad God chose the military for our paths to cross again. My deepest condolences to your wife, Jennifer, family and friends. We'll meet again at higher place.
Farewell Comrade.
Chris Rimmey
October 9, 2005
Dear Jen,
Will was the best of us and completely believed in our mission, the people of Iraq have lost the best friend amongst our teams, he cared about everyone of them. Will was a great guy and we will miss him everyday.
Jennifer Fernandez
October 8, 2005
To all Will's family, friends, and fellow soldiers:
I want to take this opportunity to extend to all of you, my deep gratitude for your prayers and thoughts for us. Will was born to be a soldier, and loved the military and his country enough to re-enlist at the ripe old age of 35. Will went to Iraq with a clear purpose and dedication. In fact, he was glad when the possible Bosnia deployment fell through because it gave him the chance to go to Iraq. We discussed everything - his new opportunity to serve, the possibility of never returning, and the future we would share after his tour ended. I want you all to know that I don't hate God and I don't hate the war. Will frequently told me how much good he was doing in Iraq by giving one more part of the world a chance to live free from fear and hatred. He told me of the children playing in the streets who would come running to him for the candy and gum he always carried for them in his pockets. He told me of the shopkeepers and local laborers who were so happy America came and freed them from Saddam's cruel reign, enabling them to live a normal life once more. He spoke of the old ladies who giggled delightedly because an American soldier was in their house. He wrote of the old men who shook his hand and thanked Allah that our soldiers came to Iraq. He told me about the courteous people who, after having their house taken over and searched by a squad of soldiers, would offer him chai tea and biscuits in gratitude for America giving them freedom. Will always spoke of how much he hated the idea of a wasted death, and how if he died in the military, it would be in service to a great cause. Will did not go overseas planning to die, but he surely achieved his goal in a life nobly lived to the fullest. A nun comforted me with the words, "A death given in service to your fellow man is the holiest of deaths, and there is a special place in heaven for them." I know Will is in heaven now, and we will all be reunited again. We kept a countdown calendar for his deployment. Now we are on God's countdown calendar, until our "earthly" deployment ends and we are called to our heavenly home and our reunion with Will and the Father. Will was a most special man who will never be forgotten by those he loved, and who loved him. May God's blessings give you all strength, and hope, and peace. Thank you all.
Jen Cochran
October 6, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss.
Our dear friend, Michael Egan, was also killed with SPC Fernandez on that terrible day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this most difficult time. May all of these true heros rest in peace.
J P
October 5, 2005
California Lovin' - (aka William)
May you rest in peace. The heaven rejoice your homecoming! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
You will be in my memories forever.
Mark Stabile
October 5, 2005
Jennifer,
SGT Fernandez will always be the role model of what it means to have "heart". He was a great man and a great soldier. I'm proud to have served with him. May your memories of how much he enjoyed life soften the blow of your loss.
Joann Rimmey
October 3, 2005
William served with my husband. I never had the pleasure of knowing him personaly. However, I feel as if I knew him through his great honor expressed at his funeral. What a dignafied ceramony!
Lisa Hernandez
October 3, 2005
My husband said nothing but wonderful things about William, he was like a brother to him in Iraq. A true friend who will never be forgotten, we will always keep you and your family in our prayers.
Heidi Whittaker
October 3, 2005
Kyle and I send all our thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Jennifer. Kyle told me that Will was a very practical and thoughtful man and he is proud to say that he served with him. Take care. -Heidi (and Kyle) Whittaker
Heather Fisher
October 3, 2005
It was an honor to meet SGT Fernandez's family at the viewing on Thursday night, my husband was his platoon leader in Iraq and he misses him greatly. God Bless All.
Ismael Rosario Sr.
October 3, 2005
To the family of SPC Fernandez, my sympathy on your loss. As a brother from the PA Guard and a follow latino, I can only say he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Donna Berrios
October 3, 2005
From the families and soldiers of B/Trp 1/104 Cavalry. Never Forgotten, Always in our thoughts and Prayers. Rest in Peace William.
Miguel Rivera
October 1, 2005
My deepest condolences to
Will's family and may he rest in peace.
Joycelyn Satchell
September 30, 2005
William
I never met you but your brother Richard in Yonkers, NY thought the world of you especially because you are his "Big Brother."
My father was a "Lifer"in the Army. Love of God, Love of Family, Love of America called you to do what you believed to be your duty.
May God bless and keep you now and forever. Until we meet.
RICHARD VALENTIN
September 30, 2005
WITH LOVE FROM YOUR YOUNGER BROTHER WISH WE HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET BUT FATE NEVER LET OUR PATHS CROSS........
Donna Forrer
September 26, 2005
May God be especially close to you during this awful time. JOSE, DAVID - you two know better than anyone alive what was in your brother's heart - for you both shared in every beat of it. He and both of you are honorable, brave, wonderful men - thank you - all three of you - for your dedication, your service and your character. Eternity will give you plenty of time to be with William again. Until then, hold tight to God's right hand - for your brother is now by His side.
Kathy V.
September 25, 2005
Sandman,
You were a true friend until the end, and I will remember you always. May your family find comfort in knowing that you died doing what you felt needed to be done for our country, and that there are many people who will be eternally grateful to you for your bravery.
I pray that you are in the heavens, finally getting a chance to listen to the Salsa music that you so loved. Maybe some day you will finally succeed at teaching me how to move my feet that fast! :)
You will always hold a special place in my heart!
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to your wife, mom, and all of your family.
Rest in peace Sandman.
DIANE LARSEN
September 25, 2005
VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF WILLIAM DYING ! GOD BLESS THE FAMILY HE LEFT BEHIND!DIANE
Eileen and Bill Jeker
September 24, 2005
Our sincere deepest condolences are extended to the family of another fallen hero from two very grateful Americans. William, may you rest in peace.
Virginia Williams
September 23, 2005
Even though we have never met, I wanted to share a poem with you.
You see I lost my only son when he was one month away from his 22nd birthday. That was in 1980. I know the pain and the sorrow that you feel.
I know in time the awful hurting inside of you will heal. I know right now it’s hard to Imagine that life can even go on. I can’t imagine anything worse then losing a child.
I am a Christian and I know that God’s strength saw me and my husband through. There were many days we just didn’t want to go on, but He was always there to help us.
I hope you will not take offence by receiving this. I only mean it to help and
let you know that I care. I will keep you in my prayers.
May God bless you in a very special way, as He took a very special person from this world to be with Him. I thank God every day for men like your son who are willing to fight for our freedom and the freedom of oppressed nations. I know William has made a difference in every life he has touched.
Remember, John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should nor perish but have everlasting life.”
At Death of a Child
“I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine,” He said.
“For you to love the while he lives
And mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or
Twenty two or three,
But will you ’til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his days be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked this wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lane,
I have selected you.
Now will you give all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?”
I fancy that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run;
We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner then we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.”
-Edgar Albert Guest
Melissa
September 22, 2005
May you rest in peace, William.
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