Fernando Sanchez
Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Fernando Sanchez was born and raised in Northern Illinois in a Mexican household along with two sisters and one brother. Upon graduating from Grayslake North High School in 2015, he enlisted in the US Army as a culinary specialist along with his girlfriend at the time as a part of the buddy program. He attended BCT at Fort Jackson South Carolina, AIT at Fort Lee Virginia, and was ultimately stationed at Fort Hood Texas where he served in numerous roles including administration and ration clerk. He has now transitioned to the Illinois National Guard as a Cyber Network Defender.
During his time in the military, he has been recognized with multiple Army Achievement Medals, The Army Commendation Medal, The Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and The Army Good Conduct Medal.
Fernando is currently attending Herzing University, where he is expecting to complete his Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in 2025.
