John Z. Hernandez was installed as the Junior Vice State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department of California in June of 2025 at Orange, California.

John is a native Californian born and raised in Hollister, California.

He served in the U. S. Marine Corps for 20 years in uniform (1983-2003) retiring as a Master Sergeant. He served in several prominent leadership positions as a Platoon Sergeant, Senior Drill Instructor, S4 Logistics Chief, Combat Cargo Assistant aboard USS Boxer. His last assignment was at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego as Operations Chief in both G-3 Operations and G-4 Logistics Chief.

During his Marine Corps service, John participated in deployed operations throughout the Arabian Gulf and Southwest Asia in Kuwait (Native Fury & Eager Mace), Mogadishu, Somalia (Operation Continued Hope).

He has attended a variety of leadership development schools to include Drill Instructor School, U. S. Army Airborne School, and earned the title Honorary Navy Chief.

He is currently employed as a civilian contractor for the last 20 years at Camp Pendleton, California totaling 40 years of experience in the defense industry.

During his 30 years as a VFW member John was elected as the Post Commander of Temecula Valley VFW Post 4089 where he achieved the status of All State and All American. He was District 3 Commander from 2023 to 2025, held both Department and National level positions as Department Deputy Inspector and Veterans Military Support Chairman.

John has two sons who served in the U. S. Marine Corps, Sgt John A Hernandez (46 y/o) and SSgt Richard A Hernandez (33 y/o) both are VFW Lifetime members of Temecula Valley Post 4089.

John is married to Mag’e Hernandez who is the former District 3 Auxiliary President and current Auxiliary Post 4089 President.

They have four sons, one daughter, two granddaughters and two grandsons.

MILITARY DECORATIONS EARNED:

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
NAVY/MARINE CORPS COMMENDATION MEDAL
NAVY MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL
MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL