R.I.P. Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez

Marine Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez
Died June 06, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom

20, of Edinburg, Texas; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Sgt. Brandon C. Bury and Cpl. Donald M. Marler.

(The following was taken from www.krgv.com of June 15, 2010) PHARR - Dozens of mourners were in attendance as Marine Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez was laid to rest.

The burial took place at the Palm Valley Cemetery in Pharr with full military honors. The 2008 Edinburg High School graduate died in Afghanistan while conducting combat operations on June 6.

The 20-year-old was the youngest of three siblings. Hernandez is the fifth Edinburg serviceman to die in the war on terror.

A community reception was held after the burial at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium. Keyla Hernandez, the fallen Marine’s niece, recited the pledge of allegiance.

The Marine’s brother, Riley Hernandez, spoke. He asked other military families to never take their loved ones for granted.

The family thanked the community for the outpouring of support during difficult times. During the funeral procession, people who never met the lance corporal stood along the streets and watched the procession.

A group of sisters and cousins stood with U.S. flags in hand. The women told us they wanted to pay their respects to the Edinburg Marine and this was their chance to also thank Hernandez's family.

The women did not know Hernandez. But they tell us they were touched by his bravery and service