Wounded Vet, John Fernandez, To Be Honored on Veterans Day

Canine Companions for Independence is honoring Rocky Point veteran John Fernandez at their annual Veteran'd Day ceremony in Medford. Fernandez got wounded while serving in Iraq back in 2003.  

“It was just a matter of chance—pure luck,” said Fernandez in a statement.   Shrapnel from an explosion shredded his legs, killing 3 fellow soldiers, and wounding seven.  “I crawled for help,” Fernandez recalled. “I couldn’t walk.”  

Now, a decade later, Fernandez is being honored for all of his work with the Long Island wounded veterans.  According to a statement, Col. David Woycik, says Fernandez was chosen for the annual award because of his compassion and outstanding service to Long Island wounded veterans. “Freedom is not free.  As a former Colonel in the United States Army, and a veteran of the Desert Storm campaign, I understand the sacrifices and courage by our fellow service members including Lieutenant John Fernandez," said Woycik.

"Lieutenant John Fernandez from Rocky Point, New York exemplifies the patriotism, dedication and valor that typifies our American soldiers.”

First Lieutenant John Fernandez, USA (Ret.) will be honored on Nov. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Canine Companions for Independence Miller Family Campus, 286 Middle Island Road, Medford, NY 11763.