Peter Fernandez:  

When I left North Carolina, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps and went to Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina in June of 1982. From there I was assigned to Field Radio Operator's School in Twenty-nine Palms, California. After 12 weeks of training, I was assigned to Communications Company, 3rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa, Japan. I spent two years in Okinawa and while there was Meritoriously promoted to Corporal and was awarded the Marine of the Quarter. When I left Okinawa, I was assigned to the Field Skills Training School at the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. I served as a Communications Instructor and earned two new Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)s. I became a 2533 (Field Telegraph Operator) and a 2512 (Field Wireman). After being an instructor for 2 years, I was reassigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton and soon was promoted to Sergeant. Upon my promotion, I became the Battalion's Wire Chief. During my tour with 2/5, I went to Okinawa on a 6 month deployment to Okinawa again. Upon my return, I was selected to take part in the 1st Marine Division Rifle and Pistol matches. During this time, I became an (8511) Primary Marksmanship Instructor and our Division Team placed 2nd in the pistol competition. In December of 1988, I left the Marine Corps and enlisted in the Army as an M-1 Tanks Systems Mechanic (63E) and was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, 1/35th Armor Battalion in Erlangen, Germany. During my tour with 1/35th Armor, I...Expand for more