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El Paso County honors World War II veteran Eliseo Fernandez and community veteran James Green
Summary
El Paso County on Oct. 27 adopted resolutions honoring Private First Class Eliseo Silva Fernandez as honorary veteran of the year for 2025 and retired Staff Sergeant James H. Green Jr. as El Paso County veteran of the year for 2025—1026.
El Paso County commissioners on Oct. 27 adopted resolutions recognizing two local veterans.
Private First Class Eliseo Silva Fernandez, a World War II combat veteran and one of Merrill—s Marauders, was named the county—s honorary veteran of the year for 2025. County officials read a resolution recounting Fernandez—s service as a mortar man in the China-Burma-India theater, his combat wounds and awards including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and his long civilian life in El Paso. The family accepted the resolution and the Veterans Advisory Board presented an honorary plaque.
The court also adopted a resolution naming retired Staff Sergeant James H. Green Jr. the El Paso County Veteran of the Year for 2025—1026. Green's resolution summarized his more than 20 years of Army service, three combat deployments to Iraq, and extensive post-retirement volunteer service to veterans and the wider community. Representatives from the VFW, DAV and from Congresswoman Veronica Escobar—s office joined the presentation.
Why it matters: Both recognitions were ceremonial but drew attention to El Paso County—s large veteran community and the county—s stated effort to close benefit gaps and honor service. The Veterans Advisory Board confirmed that Green's selection followed the board—s procedures and the county—s veteran-of-the-year policy adopted in 2023.
Process and outcome: The resolutions were read into the record and adopted by voice vote. Family members and veterans organizations presented plaques, coins and a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to Fernandez and Green. County leadership encouraged photographs and public appreciation for veterans in attendance.
Evidence and provenance: The awards were presented in open court; family members and multiple veteran-service organizations spoke and presented honors during the Oct. 27 meeting.
