The soldier volunteered to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan after finishing basic training, his family reported. He served more than a year in country and was expected to return home on leave at the end of June.
   Hernandez graduated from August Martin High School in Jamaica and attended Tuskegee University in Alabama.
   He was stationed in Fort Stewart, Ga., where he was assigned to the 544th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion and the airborne 16th Military Police Brigade.
   Hernandez’s mother, Paulina Campbell-Richards described her son as a happy-go-lucky young man who loved life and got along with everyone.
   “He didn’t like the fighting and killing,” she said. “He was always the referee, pulling people apart when they fought. He was always looking out for other people.”
   Queens Borough President Helen Marshall extended condolences to Hernandez’s family on behalf of the people of Queens.
   “His death in Afghanistan on Tuesday at the age of 21 brings the war home to Queens and reminds us all of the dangers faced every day by members of our Armed Forces,” Marshall said in a statement. “News of his death comes just days before the 65th anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Americans died on the beaches of France, but helped turn the tide of World War II. Like the D-Day veterans who died, Roberto will leave us with a debt that we can never repay.”