From Soldier to AI Expert: Fort Buchanan's Transition Program Helps Veteran Find New Mission

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: “FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Army veteran and artificial intelligence entrepreneur Julio Fernández shared how Fort Buchanan's Transition Assistance Program helped him pursue higher education and build a successful civilian career during two live media interviews Nov. 10, highlighting the Army's commitment to preparing service members for life beyond military service.”

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: “Fernández appeared on Magic Radio 97.3 FM in the morning and Telemundo Puerto Rico in the afternoon, discussing his military experience, professional development and efforts to help fellow veterans use artificial intelligence to grow their businesses and pursue federal contracting opportunities. A native of Villalba, Puerto Rico, Fernández comes from a family with a tradition of military service. After leaving the Army, he pursued advanced education in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, building on the discipline, leadership and professional skills he developed while serving.”

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: "I realized that my mission was not over," Fernández said during his Telemundo interview. "I began studying cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to stay at the forefront of technology."

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: “Fernández credited Fort Buchanan's Transition Assistance Program with helping him identify and pursue educational opportunities that enabled him to develop expertise in emerging technologies. The program provides transitioning service members with counseling, employment resources, educational guidance and career planning assistance to help them prepare for civilian employment, entrepreneurship or continued education. His experience illustrates how the Army's investment in preparing Soldiers for civilian life can generate opportunities that extend beyond individual career success.”

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: "I took what I learned in the Army and applied it to my business career," Fernández said. "That's why I want to teach veterans how to use artificial intelligence to organize their businesses and identify federal contracting opportunities."

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: “During both interviews, Fernández explained how artificial intelligence can help veteran entrepreneurs analyze information, identify business opportunities, streamline administrative processes and save valuable time and resources. "We want to empower veterans with these tools so they can be successful," he said. Fernández also promoted a Nov. 12 artificial intelligence workshop at Fort Buchanan, designed to introduce veterans to practical applications of emerging technology in business development and federal contracting.”

• U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, November 13: “His story reinforces Fort Buchanan's role as the U.S. Army's home in the Caribbean, providing services that support military readiness while helping service members and their families prepare for opportunities beyond military service. Through its Transition Assistance Program, Fort Buchanan continues investing in those who serve, helping Soldiers translate their military experience into meaningful careers and continued contributions to their communities. For information about transition assistance services at Fort Buchanan, contact the Transition Assistance Program at 787-707-3546.”