Leading the Way during 'The Year of the Non-commissioned Officer'

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Alvin Fernandez, from Federal Way, Wash., with 181st Brigade Support Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard.  

QAYYARAH, IRAQ

03.23.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr 

81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team

Q-WEST, Iraq – The Secretary of the Army has named 2009 as the "Year of the Non-commissioned Officer" in recognition of the commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifices undertaken daily by the Army's Corps of NCOs.

"As an NCO, it is a great honor that the Army declared this year 'The Year of the NCO'. Finally, the backbone of the Army is recognized for its hard work, dedication, leadership and professionalism," said Staff Sgt. Alvin N. Fernandez from Federal Way, Wash., who serves as the NCO in charge of the Iraqi Based Industrial Zone section for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 181st Brigade Support Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team.

Fernandez, who works as a letter carrier while not in uniform, embodies all these qualities and more as a husband, a father, a friend and a leader of Soldiers.

"He should be recognized as a great NCO because of his dedication to his job as an NCO and to his country," said Fernandez's wife of 24 years, Macrina. "He knows how to take care of his Soldiers and he shows good leadership and a good example to his fellow Soldiers. He is very responsible, loyal, honest and truthful to his job as an NCO."

Fernandez's NCOIC, Sgt. Maj. Debra R. Clarke of Rochester, Wash., couldn't agree more. "Subordinates and superiors alike look to him for advice and counsel. He is always in top physical condition and can adapt to any situation," she said.

Fernandez immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1983, and not long after, he joined the U.S. Army, following in the footsteps of his older brother who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1973.

"He is the main reason why all my family is enjoying the American dream. He is our bridge in immigrating to the United States of America," said Fernandez.

After serving on active duty for nearly eight years and deploying to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, Fernandez left the military, only to return to the Washington Army National Guard 10 years later in a move he calls "the smartest decision" he's ever made.

"I am proud of Alvin because he took a tough step. I mean that Alvin did not have to serve his country anymore. He did his time and he reenlisted, knowing our country was at war," said Kevin Gottlieb, a friend and coworker of Fernandez.

Now back in Iraq with the 181st BSB, he has become an incredible asset to his unit. As the IBIZ NCOIC, Fernandez works to assist and encourage Iraqi citizens to establish businesses in order to re-build their national economy.

"Staff Sgt. Fernandez speaks Tagalong as his native language and, of course, English. He also speaks Spanish, Arabic and German. This unique skill, along with his winning personality and ability to positively navigate cultural differences, has made him a success in an assignment that is not typical of anything in the Army," said Clarke.

Language is just one of Fernandez's many talents. Gottlieb says that Fernandez's ability to listen and offer advice are some of the things that make him a great leader. Macrina says her husband has all the good qualities a wife could ask for.

"He is very loving, caring, thoughtful, faithful, honest, and a trustworthy man. He goes out of his way to make me feel loved and respected and takes every opportunity to show how much he cares for me and to our daughter," she said.

While in Iraq, Fernandez spends his free time playing ping-pong or chess, watching basketball and keeping in touch with friends and family. At home, he enjoys volunteering at the food bank, hiking, gardening, fishing, cooking and wood working. Though he has much to be proud of, Fernandez, who one day hopes to have his own scholarship foundation for less fortunate children, is the most proud of is his daughter, Michelle, a sophomore at Columbia University.

"Raising and watching my child grow is a very rewarding, priceless experience," he said.
Michelle is equally proud of her dad. "What makes me proud of my father is his ability to put those who are in need before him. He is always willing to go out of his way to offer help to those in need, whether the person in need is a family [member], close friend or even a stranger."

Though he continues to help others, both on the battle field and through volunteer work, Michelle has been his number one priority.

"I can, without a doubt, say that it is because of my father that I have become who I am and that I have accomplished what I have accomplished," said the 19-year-old Michelle.

"There is not a day that goes by when I'm walking across campus or down the streets of New York City that I [don't] thank my dad for all that he has done for me and for getting me to where I am today," she added.

• Date Taken: 03.23.2009
• Date Posted: 03.23.2009 09:04
• Story ID: 31485
• Location: QAYYARAH, IQ