Michael Fernandez

My name is Michael Fernandez.  I was born to a single mother in Germany and named Michael Grieß.  My father, a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant married my mother and adopted me in 1960.  That was the same year I came to the United States.

I grew up in several states, moving as my father was transferred from base to base.  I learned English in Charleston S.C., and never really lost that Southern accent.

I served without any real distinction in the United States Marine Corps from 1975-78.  I was honorably discharged and years later received a service connected disability rating for tinnitus. So now I am a Lifetime member of the DAV.

I’ve been married twice and divorced twice.  Both times my fault.  Oh I don’t say either of my wives were “perfect” because no one is.  But 90+% of the fault lies with me.  I say this to my own shame.

I am a born-again by the sovereign grace of God Christian.  Which is to say, I am not perfect, but I am different from what I was.  My being a Christian in no way makes me, myself, any better than anyone else.  My salvation, as that of anyone truly saved by God, did not, does not stem from anything in me, but solely is an undeserved gift of God.  Why He chose me in particular, I still don’t know.