Meet the JROTC Staff: 1SG Fernando Hernandez

Started at STA: August of 1995

Military Service: 23 years with Adjutant Generals Corps

Hobbies: Wood working and photography

Fact of Interest: "I am Sam the Clown. I do kids parties, office parties, and mall walk-arounds."

Favorite Teaching Moment: “When I was a drill sergeant, I had this one soldier come to me in basic training and told me that he was going to quit. I then told him the quitters story, which is about how quitting becomes easier and easier every time you do it and eventually you will look back on your life when you are an old man and see all the opportunities that you lost because you always quit. The young man finished basic training and went on to become a very successful soldier."

Brush With Fame: “My wife”

Favorite Experience that deals with your field: “Hearing students’ stories about why they forgot their homework or why they are wearing the wrong uniform. These stories are amusing, not believable”.

Why I Teach at STA: “I had the opportunity to teach in Salem, Oregon or at STA. So I decided to visit both places. When I went to Salem, the principal asked me if I had ever heard of the Bloods, Cribs and some other gangs. I said yes, and she then informed me that the members of these gangs would be my students. Needless to say, I went to STA. Also, my wife is from Minnesota and I wanted to bring her back home."

Favorite Music: “Everything, but I especially like country music”.

Favorite Car: Pickup trucks; the bigger the better.

Favorite Vacationing Spot: Costa Brava, Spain

Family: Wife Lynn of 32 years; sons David and Chris ’97; Grandkids Sofia and Samuel