FIRST TEAM PLEDGES FINDING FERNANDES AS TOP PRIORITY
Finding Sgt. Elder Fernandes safe and resuming the care he was receiving before his recent absence remains the top priority of the 1st Cavalry Division.
Within hours of Sgt. Fernandes’ disappearance, Soldiers from his unit on Fort Hood initiated a thorough search for him, both on and off post, which will continue until he is located. With the Commanding General’s oversight, the unit reached out to every unit across Fort Hood, providing a photograph, and asking them to report any sightings or information. All Division motor pools, parking lots, barracks, and HQs buildings have been thoroughly searched. Additionally, Soldiers have visited local hotels and hospitals throughout central Texas and continue to expand their search efforts. The chain of command is working closely with local civilian and military agencies to coordinate search efforts.
The command very much appreciates the concern of Sgt. Fernandes’ Family and is doing all we can to maintain a positive dialogue and keep them informed of the progress of the search. It is our desire we work together to find him.
His immediate leadership initiated communication with the Family before his current disappearance and has met with them daily since their arrival. We met again with them in person today. We intend to share much information with them as possible. Along with the Family, we want information that will lead to Sgt. Fernandes’ return to the people who care about him.
We continue to believe Sgt. Fernandes left on his own accord and there is no connection between his disappearance and any other ongoing cases at Fort Hood. Sgt. Fernandes, 23, was born in the Republic of Cabo Verde, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean west of Africa. He joined the Army in September of 2016 and was last seen on August 17, 2020, at a residence in Killeen, Texas. He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and 133 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black Army physical training t-shirt and shorts with black, orange, and yellow athletic shoes.
We ask anyone who sees him to contact the Killeen Police Department at 254-526-TIPS (8477), https://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com , the Fort Hood CID Office at 254-287-2722, the Fort Hood MP desk at 254-287-4001 or your local police department. Persons can also anonymously submit information at https://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html
People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.
We thank those who continue to express concern for his safety and are actively helping us find our teammate. Our priority remains to ensure Sgt. Fernandes’ safety and we ask him to reach out to his leadership, his family, the local police or a nearby hospital or clinic so we can ensure he receives the care he needs.
