Vet. Museum presents Lt. Colonel Dr. Juan Fernandez: His Story
Lt. Colonel Dr. Juan Fernandez will be the presenter at the October 1, 2025, meeting at 9 a.m. at the Miami Valley Veterans Museum, located at 2245 South County Rd. 25-A,. Troy. Dr. Fernandez recently returned from a two-week stint at Fort Dix, a U.S. Army post in New Jersey. He trained 10 soldiers with the rank of Major (eight males and two females) stationed in the National Guard, U. S. Army Reserves and active U. S. Army in planning for “diplomatic, military, economic, and informational strategies at points of friction in the event war occurs between the U.S. and adversaries such as China and other Asian countries.”
Fernandez, 42, grew up in Puerto Rico until age 13, when his family moved to Wilkes-Barre, PA. When the family lived in Puerto Rico, he reports he was cautioned, “Don’t go down that street as you might get shot,” and with the advent of each new year, the family put mattresses on the floor to avoid getting shot.” Following high school graduation as a U.S. Army National Guard Scholar, Fernandez was awarded a tuition-free college education at the Bloomsburg Campus of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a B.S. in Exercise Science in 2007. Fernandez went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2015 from Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, GA.
With his 20-plus years of military service, Fernandez’s loyalty to the U.S. comes from, as he indicates, “This country offered me opportunities I would never have had otherwise. I
endorse the values of many here that align with my own-hard work pays off. Respect others and their values and give them the benefit of the doubt regardless of their skin color.”
He continues, “Don’t complain about the next generation. Step up and help them. My life experience tells me “Seek and you shall find.” We all have a responsibility to help others by advocating that they ask questions, research issues and opportunities, and be tenacious. The veterans for whom the museum is important served their country and as mature adults, they can have such a continuing positive impact.”
Fernandez’s extensive volunteer work in the community indicates that he translates his words into action, and he knows that his medical work is important in helping others live full lives. An example is revealed in one of the many testimonials on his website in which a patient’s depression was lifted once she received the medical care she needed.
In his presentation at the museum, Fernandez will focus on the need for living a full life, a healthy life. He will give advice from a medical perspective on veterans’ disability issues and claims.
Fernandez is married to Dr. Whitney Wills-Fernandez. They met when they were in school together at Life Chiropractic College. She has taken a leave of absence from her professional life to homeschool their four children: Eden, 12, Eve, 10, John Luke, 7, and Ellery, 4.
The museum opens at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2025, and free refreshments will be served
beginning at 8:30 a.m. Speakers start at 9 a.m. Veterans and invited guests are asked to attend.
For questions and info about the museum, see our web page and Facebook page, or to volunteer, call MSgt (ret.) Amy Cost, Executive Director at 937-332-8852.
