Aida Hernandez

Staff Sgt. Aida Hernandez, age 31, died suddenly on August 12, 2015, in Sparta, Wisconsin, while at training on Fort McCoy. Aida is survived by her mother, Florinda Andrade; father, Enrique Hernandez; Sister Gladys Hernandez, and her beloved dog, Yogi, all of Chicago, Illinois.

Aida was born and raised on the Northside of Chicago; her magnetic personality, zest for life and love of adventure, were evident from a very young age. Aida spent the early part of her career traveling around the US where she was known for her ability to get the job done but remembered for her smile and ability to make people laugh.

In October 2008, Aida joined the U.S. Army Reserves to serve her country. Aida deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, where she was part of Operation New Dawn and received a Joint Services Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. She continued her military service as part of the Army Reserve Guard and in September 2014 she accepted a full-time position with the 406th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Ann Arbor, Michigan and planned to make the military her career.

Aida was many things to many people. She was a loving daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She was a dedicated, driven and accomplished soldier. Aida loved her family, her friends, her dog yogi, traveling, music, poetry, making people laugh, being Mexican, Chicago and her country.

While Aida’s time with us was too short, her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and love of life, will always be remembered and cherished by those who were lucky to have known her.

Visitation Saturday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave. Chicago IL 60625, where funeral service will be held Sunday 12:00pm.