Shooting victim served in Iraq
By Todd Ruger
Published: Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10:11 p.m.
SARASOTA - Delvis Fernandez served eight months with the Marine Reserves in Iraq, often manning a 50-caliber gun on the lead car in dangerous supply convoys.
The 2005 Booker High School graduate returned home to Sarasota in April, where he rejoined his minor league football team and enrolled in classes to prepare for a career in the Sarasota Police Department.
But on his way home from class Friday afternoon, Fernandez, 21, was shot and killed in what police believe was a carjacking in the parking lot of a Newtown convenience store.
"It was in broad daylight for no apparent reason," said Orlando Pacheco, who roomed with Fernandez in Iraq. "We're just in shock right now. It was just like any other day."
Fernandez died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Friday, the day before the final tryouts for the Sarasota Millionaires, a football team that he also used as a conduit to to volunteer in the community.
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Fernandez was a great Marine. We were lucky to have him for as long as we did. He nwas the type that would always push you to do better than what you thought you possibly could. He will be greatly missed.
ReplyDelete6th MTBN A CO. will be a lesser unit without a Marine of this caliber.
Thank you for sharing that. May God watch over all of you.
ReplyDeleteFor as little as I knew Cpl Fernandez, I immediately saw a leader. He was dedicated, confident, fearless, cocky, and strong both mentaly and physicaly. He had great character and charisma, and a good sense of humor. He is somebody I would have wanted to fight next to in combat. He would have never gone down without a fight no matter the circumstances, deployed or at home. For that I respect him and look up to him. He will be greatly missed!
ReplyDelete--Cpl Irizarry--
A great Marine, even better Man, and also a great brother in arms. semper fidelis Fernandez.
ReplyDeleteall the world will miss u and the marines who served with you will never forget such a great friend and brother.
LCpl Decker
I first met Delvis in my freshman year at Booker and I thought he was an amazing person with a huge heart. He will truly be missed from Florida to Philly where I am at now. RIP #82!
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad for me to hear! I am a very close friend to Delvis' brother( Canada) i am sorry that your contrey has lost a soldier and i am sorry to your family Edison. R.I.P. DELVIS FERNANDEZ
ReplyDeleteI send my love to your family in Flordia and will always stand by your side. xoxoxoxCandice, Franklin, O'Shon and Skye-Marie.
It is very sad and I want to thank all of you for sharing your thoughts about him. Take comfort in each other. I'm praying for his family and ask you do the same.
ReplyDeleteDelvis what a brilliant and beautiful person.You were one of a Kind.truly missed and loved.You were an asset to this community.God wanted you.A True Angel to watch over your Madre Y Tati y todo familia.
ReplyDelete