08/01/2025
Happy Retirement Command Sergeant Major Rafael Colon-Hernandez!
Congratulations on 33 incredible years of service! As he hangs up his uniform for the last time, we wanted to take a moment to thank him for everything he has given to the Army and to all of us who were lucky enough to serve alongside him.
CSM Colon, was born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. He joined the Army in 1993. He served in the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico until 1997, and the same year, he joined the Regular Army.
He held numerous leadership and staff positions, including Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Instructor/Writer, First Sergeant, Chief Clinical Sergeant Major, Surgeon Cell Sergeant Major, and Command Sergeant Major of Public Health Command, East.
His deployments, (including Operation Desert Fox and Desert Thunder (1997), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004), and Operation Enduring Freedom (2007-2008, 2009-2010), as well as Hurricane Harvey and Maria support (2017)) were not without their challenges, but he faced them with courage and determination.
His impact on the medical field is immeasurable. The care, compassion, and knowledge he brought to the job every day made a real difference in the lives of Soldiers and their families. Moreover, his mentorship and guidance shaped many into the leaders we are today. His legacy is not just in the number of years he served, but in the countless lives he touched, the Soldiers he cared for, and the leaders he inspired.
Congratulations on a phenomenal career! The Army is better because of your service and we wish you a long, happy, and well deserved retirement.
Enjoy this new chapter, Command Sergeant Major Colon. You've earned every bit of it.
Fort Lee Veterinary Treatment Facility
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Fort Knox
Public Health Command, East
Fort Eustis Veterinary Treatment Facility
Langley Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii
Camp Lejeune Veterinary Treatment Facility
Camp Lejeune Veterinary Treatment Facility
Norfolk Veterinary Branch
Cherry Point Veterinary Treatment Facility
Fort Bragg Veterinary Center
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Fort Belvoir
Medical Readiness Command, East
U.S. Army Medical Command CSM
44th Medical Brigade
Rafael Jose Colon Hernandez
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii
Veterinary Readiness Activity - San Diego
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Fort Lewis
Veterinary Readiness Activity, Japan
218th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support
Expert Field Medical Badge
Medical Readiness Command, West
Medical Readiness Command, Pacific
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence
Medical Readiness Command, Europe
US Army Medical Service Corps, Reserve Components
Medical Readiness and Training Command
Womack Army Medical Center