Rafael Hernando - Vietnam - 1967

SPC Rafael Hernando “Ask not what your country can do for you, as what you can do for your country.” Hearing those words from President John F. Kennedy during my middle school years stayed with me and motivated me to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. I deployed to Vietnam in 1967, as a SPC with Company A 5th Battalion 7th Calvary. I served in Central Highlands, Ankke during one of the bloodiest years; the number of casualties was the highest during this year. Young and naive as I was, patriotism took over and despite the negative attitudes I knew what my job was and what I had to do. I was the point man, I led my unit, scanning and looking for obstacles. I picked the best path going from point to point. The tunnel rat and the machine gunner walked behind me, and we all made sure the path taken was safe. My unit was involved in search and destroy missions; when needed, we would be picked up via helicopters and moved to units in need of help. My unit was involved in more conflicts than other units; we were in constant danger. My life changed on October of 1967; I stepped on a land mine. As a result, I lost a good portion of the right side of my body. I was in the hospital for three years and during this time it helped me debrief. I was around many wounded soldiers, we had time and helped each other; stress was high, it was therapy. PTSD was high, and I believe that civilians did not understand what was going on with Vietnam veterans. My family was the only positive factor welcoming me home. I could not understand why the public was looking for negativity; why could they not find anything positive. We were told not to wear our uniforms back home; I did, I was proud to wear my uniform. I could not forget and honor all the POW’s and MIA’s. Being accepted was a struggle; I remember we formed a brotherhood of Vietnam brothers, and this was most helpful in adjusting. I have often heard people say to me that the war changes you, you do not come back the same; I feel these feelings were different than the WWII veterans. I came back with a better attitude; I wanted to become active and serve in the public sector. I feel Vietnam veterans have made many changes. I served my country honorably and it changed my life; I now work on publicizing the Vietnam War and supporting the veterans. I reach out to the youth; I want them to understand the Vietnam War, change their perspective so that changes can affect the future. My goal is to promote positive images regarding the Vietnam War and the veterans. It has been my goal for 45 years. I received several medals and ribbons: Purple Heart, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster; medals included Good Conduct, Air, Vietnam Wound, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. I became an entrepreneur and attended EPCC and UTEP. I volunteer for the SISD, City of El Paso, Accessibility Committee, El Paso Housing Task Force, and American GI Forum. Rafael is married, has six children, 16 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Retired and lives in El Paso, Texas. SPC Rafael Hernando Middle School in the SISD was named after Rafael. As told to Sally Fierro, Faculty, University of Phoenix.