Behind the Uniform: Pfc. Ricardo Hernandez

Pfc. Ricardo Hernandez a health care specialist

Pfc. Ricardo Hernandez, a health care specialist in the 104th Medical Company Area Support, who has served about five years in the military.

Why did you join the Maryland National Guard?

“Well, my parents are immigrants from Guatemala and we’ve kind of grown into this thing of what it really feels like to have an actual life. I think about the stories they tell me, what it was like where they came from. I am just grateful the United States gave them a second chance here. So, I thought I would pay it back and, well the benefits also help a lot too, mostly to pay it back for sure.”

How does it feel to work in the community during this time?

“I love it, I absolutely love it. This has been a great experience. Honestly, I’ve visited parts of Maryland I would have never visited before. I just like having the opportunity to go around and meet different people from different areas and get to know their stories and get to know how they live in a certain part of my state. It’s crazy, it’s amazing. I’ve been loving every single part of this for sure. Just serving makes me happy and this is a great opportunity to serve.”

What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?

“Definitely, the health care specialist part, where you learn in advanced individual training how you do all sorts of medical things. We did training in our unit as well to prepare for this mission, online and in person. We had several different kinds of meetings and training to be able to be informed and do our jobs correctly.”

What is your favorite part about being a service member?

“I enjoy getting to serve people, that’s the best part for me.”

What are you doing to deal with stress?

“I picked up woodworking and wood burning, going to the gym more often, taking nature walks or hikes or biking, reading, sleeping, and I also learned crocheting. For me it’s kind of hard to stick to one thing. And of course all this stuff I did with my wife. She’s been a huge part of helping me to be able to continue to do my job. I actually built a vanity for my wife. It was a really cool project.”

What is the next thing for you after this mission is over?

“A lot of school, a lot of school work, that is definitely it. That’s the priority after I’m done with this mission, school. That’s it just straight school to become a physician’s assistant.”

A member of the104th Medical Company Area Support, who has served about five years in the military.