Marc is an extraordinary individual who not only has served his country in one of the most inhospitable theaters of war but is an exemplary example of American perseverance and optimism.
For those who are unfamiliar with what the Cavalry Scout does on a daily basis they are, according to the goarmy.com website, “responsible for being the eyes and ears of the commander during battle. They engage the enemy in the field, track and report activity and direct the employment of weapon systems to their locations.” The scouts secure and prepare ammunition, perform combat navigation, report weather, terrain and enemy data and classify routes, tunnels, bridges and other important features for command. They are “the first in, the last out.” According to Marc’s father Bob, “He wanted to be in the middle of it, to see action.”
Specialist Fernandez was deployed into the volatile Kandahar region, approximately 308 miles southwest of the Afghan capital of Kabul. The region has seen conflict for many centuries. The town of Kandahar from which the region is named was founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC and has been important route into and out of Asia since times immemorial.
Marc was wounded while he was driving a modular, armored diesel vehicle commonly used in Afghanistan and Iraq called a Striker. These vehicles are eight-wheeled, incorporate computer command, control and targeting systems and come in a variety of flavors depending upon operational requirements. Most importantly these vehicles protect soldiers from the 7.62 mm round used in the AK-47 our soldiers commonly face. The vehicle can, with the addition of bolt-on supplemental armor can protect from some armor-piercing and artillery rounds.
In Marc’s case the attack which wounded him was not from above but from below. His Striker was struck by a road-side bomb severely wounding him. Surgeons were able to save his left leg but his right leg was amputated above his right knee. Marc has undergone six surgeries at Brooke Army Medical Center in Antonio, Texas and has completed months of rehabilitation training.
Marc has two types of prosthetic legs: a “smart leg” complete with Bluetooth technology and hydraulic settings and the recognizably athletic “cheetah leg.” Marc hasn't let his situation slow him down; he has already learned to scuba dive, kayak and golf.
According to Canan Tasci, a staff writer for Chino Valley Now at Daily Bulletin, Marc said, "When I first got hurt, part of me didn't know how to react. I didn't know how to go outside. But the community had all sorts of events for me at the American Legion and made me a part of the community and I didn't feel so self-conscious. Instead it helped push me through this."
Marc was duly awarded the 2013 Veteran of the Year Award for the 55th District, presented by Assemblyman Curt Hagman. He has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, the NATO Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Left to right: Prudential Lighting Products Sales Representative Bob Bremser, Tonya Bremser, veteran Marc Fernandez and Assemblyman Curt Hagman. Marc was presented with the 2013 Veteran of the Year award for the 55th District.
In early September Marc was a recipient of a 2013 Ford F-150 FX2 from Wounded Wagon For A Warrior Project in conjunction with Chino Hills Ford that incorporates electronic side steps. Bob has reported Marc is enjoying it thoroughly. To learn more about Marc and his recovery, visit his family’s website here.
We would like to whole-heartedly thank Marc Fernandez and all servicemen and women who have or will serve our great nation.