Monterey Park, Calif. -- Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center employee Humberto Hernandez will be recognized as a 2017 Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Hero.
This award is part of Great Minds in STEM's 2017 Class of military and civilian honorees from the armed forces. Hernandez will attend the 29th Annual HENAAC Conference, "Destiny Driven by Determination" in Pasadena, Calif. and be honored at the National Defense Awards Thursday, October 19.
Hernandez, based in Corpus Christi Army Depot, has over 33 years of civilian service. "I have worked on everything in a helicopter except for engines," said Hernandez. He attributes much of his work ethic to his Hispanic upbringing.
"My parents, I owe a lot to them. They raised me to be polite and kind. They taught me that it was important to do the best you can in every assignment. Now I provide the best for every weapon system and platform I work on."
Hernandez's education did not always come easily. "When I began school I did not know how to speak English. But my teachers were always willing to help. I tried my best and asked for extra work," Hernandez said.
This was the first time Hernandez was nominated for this award. He was nominated by Kevin Rees, chief, Aviation Engineering Directorate Maintenance Engineering Division. "I was floored and grateful he took the time to submit," said Hernandez.
"Bert is one of those select individuals who really is not afraid of the tough jobs," Rees said. "Everything we have ever asked Bert to do, he has done with excellence. Whether that was serving as our blade engineer, as our Ch-47 structures engineer, or serving as the team lead for first accessories, and then drive systems. Bert has always delivered exceptional results in an exemplary manner. His most recent assignment was standing up our new acquisition and special projects branch, and there again he set the standard. He was exceptionally qualified for this award, and it was my great pleasure to submit his nomination."
For 29 years, GMiS has identified and showcased the achievements of the nation's engineers and scientists within the Hispanic community. Recognizing the unique role of the nation's military, GMiS has a long tradition of honoring civilian and uniformed military personnel in STEM fields. These outstanding role models compete in the overall HENAAC Awards categories, and for the STEM Military and Civilian Hero Awards. For more information about GMiS and the 2017 HENAAC Conference, visit www.greatmindsinstem.org.
---
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to provide innovative research, development and engineering to produce capabilities for decisive overmatch to the Army against the complexities of the current and future operating environments in support of the Joint Warfighter and the Nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
Social Sharing