Continuing to Do Hard Things

Carlos Hernandez is a proud father of two, a devoted husband, the oldest of three siblings, and a United States Marine. He runs in honor of his younger brother, Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez, who was killed in a training accident on 29 June 2021.

To Carlos, Armando was his best friend, confidant, and the best man at his wedding. He was also the first person to inspire Carlos to become the best version of himself.

“My brother was one of the most caring, thoughtful, and generous people anyone could ever meet,” Carlos says.

Armando was mild-mannered, intelligent, kind, tough, and loyal. Carlos remembers his generosity above all else. Whether helping a friend, leaving a generous tip for a waitress, or donating blood, Armando consistently found ways to serve others.

That spirit extended to the Marines around him. During a time when many young men and women were far from home for the first time and facing the isolation of COVID, Armando brought people together through his humor, wit, grit, and strength of character.

“He could lift morale instantly with his wit, humor, and grit,” Carlos says. “Whether it was a simple barracks potluck or a tough PT session, he created connection and reminded people they weren’t alone.”

Carlos experienced that connection as both a brother and a fellow Marine. He and Armando served together in Okinawa, where shared hardship, long days, and demanding physical training strengthened their bond. They worked out together almost every day during their lunch period, always finding new ways to push each other.

The loss of Armando has also shaped the way Carlos approaches his responsibilities as a Marine. He thinks about the Marines he leads and the impact his decisions can have on them and their families. He sees it as his responsibility to lead, train, and educate them to the highest standard possible.

That same sense of responsibility extends to his children.

“I want them to witness sacrifice firsthand, to see me choose difficult paths instead of easy ones,” Carlos says. “I want them to understand that strength is built through effort and persistence.”

Today, Carlos continues to challenge himself through running, fitting marathon training into a life that already includes serving as an active-duty Marine, husband, and father.

“Every mile I put in now helps me honor him in the best way I know how, by continuing to do hard things.”

Carlos completed the Marine Corps Marathon last year and told himself he would not run another marathon. After discovering the Gold Star & Survivor Endurance Program and seeing his children become eager to begin their own running journeys, he reconsidered.

“I realized I run for something greater than myself.”

Through the Endurance Program, Carlos has found a community that acknowledges grief while giving survivors meaningful goals, physical conditioning, and a shared challenge.

“What keeps me coming back to wear blue is the unique combination of community and healing,” he says. “That process has been incredibly powerful for me.”

This October, Carlos will take on the Marine Corps Marathon again—honoring the brother who inspired him, continuing to challenge himself, and showing his children what perseverance, discipline, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than comfort can look like.