Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Omar Hernandez is a true American hero. Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, he moved to Houston, Texas as a young boy. He later joined the U.S. Army, deploying five times in support of the Global War on Terror. While serving in Iraq, Hernandez became a U.S. citizen.
In 2007, while deployed with the 2-12 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Hernandez was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart after rescuing wounded Iraqi partner forces under heavy fire. During the mission, he was shot through the femur. Despite his injury, he fought through recovery, learned to walk again, and returned to duty.
In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan as a Platoon Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division, Hernandez received the Army Commendation Medal for Valor for pulling another soldier out of the line of fire. He was again wounded in combat, received another Purple Heart, and once more endured the painful process of relearning how to walk before eventually retiring due to his injuries.
In 2014, Hernandez survived a knife attack by his wife’s ex-husband, David Lozano Sr., who was later sentenced in 2016 and served prison time until his release in May 2019. Lozano and Hernandez’s wife shared custody of two children. In November 2019, while picking up the children at Hernandez’s home, Lozano allegedly threatened to kill Hernandez and his family. Fearing for their lives—given the history and Lozano’s sudden, aggressive movements in a dark vehicle—Hernandez used deadly force. Lozano was shot twice, fled the scene, and died two days later in the hospital. Numerous knives and $6,500 in cash were later found inside Lozano’s vehicle.
Initially, prosecutors declined to file charges. However, Lozano’s family launched a public campaign that ultimately pressured the judicial system into pursuing prosecution. The case dragged on in the Texas courts for over three and a half years. During that time, Hernandez and his family faced relentless harassment, emotional distress, and travel restrictions that disrupted his personal life and mental health.
In April 2024, Hernandez was convicted of murder in Harris County, Texas, and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He is currently incarcerated in Huntsville, TX.
The trial raised serious concerns. It was expedited by the presiding judge, and the prosecution relied heavily on emotionally charged testimony from Lozano’s children—allegedly coached by his sister. Hernandez was represented by court-appointed attorney Larry Douglas, who lacked the experience and resources to properly defend a murder case. The defense failed to adequately explain Texas self-defense laws during trial, and Hernandez’s military service and character were scarcely mentioned before sentencing. Many believe there was clear reasonable doubt.
In February 2025, his appeal to the 14th District Court was denied. Supporters are now raising funds—approximately $30,000—for a Habeas Corpus defense to continue the fight for justice. Show your support by donating today.
Sgt. 1st Class Omar Hernandez, who was awarded the Purple Heart during his recent deployment to Afghanistan, is promoted from staff sergeant to the rank of sergeant first class Feb. 1, 2013. Hernandez deployed with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in July 2012 and was injured while conducting an area of operation familiarization patrol.
After recovering from his gunshot wound, Sgt Omar Hernandez was deployed Afghanistan. On this deployment, he was removing a fellow soldier from harm when he fell into a well, and broke both of his legs. For his efforts, Hernandez received the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with the V Device, signifying his actions of valor in the battlefield.
After all that he has endured, Hernandez says that he would do it all over again. “Even knowing how it feels to be shot, how it feels to recover, I wouldn’t trade it,” he said.
“I’m just glad that I was able to serve and do my duty to earn my freedom.”
On June 6, 2007, Hernandez, of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, led a joint American-Iraqi patrol on the streets of Baghdad. They were ambushed as soon as they left their security station. Hernandez and two of his Iraqi counterparts were injured. Shot in the leg, Hernandez nevertheless braved continuing hostile fire to rescue his Iraqi comrades and carry them to safety. He received the Silver Star for his actions.
Part of his military service story can be seen on Amazon Tribal - (War Documentary) Full Length Trailer 2023.
William Reyes, operations manager for the Fort Bliss Museums, left, and Staff Sgt. Omar Hernandez, a veteran honoree, right, assist retired Sgt. 1st Class Domingo G. Balod, also a veteran honoree, down the stairs Thursday during the Veteran's Day
