DVIDS – Information – Ft. Meade Soldier Acknowledged by Native School District for Volunteering Expertise and Time

FT. MEADE, MD- Anne Arundel County Public Schools acknowledged U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Julio Hernandez as their Volunteer of the Month for his time spent with Pershing Hill Elementary School throughout a ceremony held at Ft. George G. Meade, Md., earlier this month.

Staff Sgt. Hernandez spent the final two years volunteering because the Pershing Hill Elementary School’s (PHES) occasion photographer and was acknowledged because the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)’ Volunteer of the Month for May 2026 through the ceremony. The ceremony additionally acknowledged the Educator and Employee of the Month.

Hernandez initially began volunteering to supply help to his spouse, a part of the employees on the college, and spend extra time along with his son, who can also be a pupil at PHES.

He started his pictures time on the college after the principal, Selicia Hardy, realized about his technical talents and commenced providing particular volunteer assignments to permit Hernandez to mix his ardour for pictures along with his need to serve his group.

“Seeing the staff and students really relish the imagery I provide for them is always a great feeling.” Hernandez mentioned. “But beyond just the photos, knowing that I am actively doing something to improve and uplift my local community is even more rewarding.”

Hernandez says volunteering was mutually useful and helped him professionally by merging his technical expertise with group service. “On one hand, it gives me a great sense of belonging in the community—it feels like a tailor-made volunteer job. On the other hand, it helps me professionally.” Adding, “Photography and mass communication are skills that only get better with repetition, so volunteering gives me those extra “reps.”

He has always loved visual media and currently serves the Army as a 46S, Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist, with the 55th Public Affairs Company (Combat Camera), 114th Signal Battalion, and before that he served as a 25M (Multimedia Illustrator) and 46V (Visual Information Specialist).

Hernandez’s first position in the Army was 31B (Military Police) but relayed that he still spent his time coming up with creative ways to update unit branding and modernize imagery being used by his unit.

He is set to change units and installations soon but says, “I will still look for opportunities to give back.”

Hernandez additionally careworn the significance of volunteering and that anybody contemplating it shouldn’t really feel overwhelmed by the point wanted to do it. “Volunteering can be done in small chunks. There are big opportunities out there, but what I’ve learned is that there is a way to volunteer that fits every single person’s capacity.” Said Hernandez. “My advice is to just put yourself out there. Anything you do, no matter how big or small, has an impact and is rewarding in itself. Sure, you might get a citation, award, or trophy out of it, but the real reward is the impact you make. Just take that first step.”

Beyond the excellence of being named Volunteer of the Month, Hernandez has additionally headed a pictures challenge with the college that garnered a letter of appreciation and his complete hours logged earned him the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.