Fall River man, New Bedford native to receive Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award

New Bedford, MA: For 30 years, Veterans Transition House has sought nominations from the community for the Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award. This award is presented to a Southeastern Massachusetts veteran in recognition of their outstanding contribution to veterans, veterans’ issues, and the community as a whole. Veterans Transition House proudly announces the selection of Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel “Manny” Fernandes, MSC, U.S. Army Reserve (Ret) of Fall River, Massachusetts, as its 30th Annual Veteran of the Year.

New Bedford native Emmanuel Fernandes, affectionately known as Manny, enlisted into the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 1988 as a Private First Class. He served as a Combat Medic (MOS 91A) with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HCC), 1st Battalion, 211th Field Artillery, in New Bedford. While continuing his education, Manny attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Department. He was assigned to the 803rd Medical Group in Boston as a Medical Services Corps Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Over a 20-year period, LTC Fernandes served a wide range of leadership and staff positions across the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, including an assignment as a Medical Services Corps Officer and Observer, Controller, Trainer with the 3rd Battalion, 310th Regiment, 78th Infantry Division at Fort Devens. In 2005, he transferred to the Rhode Island Army National Guard, serving first as Detachment Operations Officer with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and later as a Medical Logistics and Operations Officer with 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group in Starke, Florida. In 2008, LTC Fernandes assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HCC), 56th Troop Command (Airborne), Rhode Island Army National Guard, then returned to the U.S. Army Reserve concluding as a Medical Plans and Operations Officer with HHC, 353rd Civil Affairs Command at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York. LTC Fernandes’ mobilizations include with 3rd Battalion, 310th Regiment, 78th INF DIV, Fort Drum, New York, as a Medical Service Corps Officer, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2003), and with 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Special Operations Task Force North, Iraq, as a Medical Logistics and Operations Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006).

Prior to retiring from a 33-year career with the U.S. Army Reserve, LTC Fernandes earned the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 3rd Award, Army Achievement Medal, 3rd Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, 3rd Award, National Defense Service Medal, with Bronze Services Star Device, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, 5th Award and the Rhode Island Commendation Medal.

Fully aligned with the criteria of the Veteran of the Year Award, Veterans Transition House states that Manny’s commitment to his fellow veterans is exemplary as he is widely considered a cornerstone of the Fall River Veterans’ Center, home of the Veterans Association of Bristol County where he serves on its board of directors. Manny guides this nonprofit’s mission to ensure that veterans across Bristol County have access to the resources, care, and community they deserve. In 2024, the Veterans Association of Bristol County served 4,900 veteran households. Manny is an integral member of the Peer-to-Peer Group where veterans connect with one another in a supportive and understanding environment. He provides mentorship, guidance and camaraderie to his fellow veterans as they navigate their own journeys of healing and adjustment.

Manny also volunteers twice per week at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 9 in Fall River, working with veterans through the often-challenging U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) claims process. Providing technical assistance and encouragement, Manny has directly improved the lives of countless veterans and their families by securing deserved government benefits. “Manny’s dedication to the DAV doesn’t stop there” states John Borges, Commander of the DAV Chapter 9, “he stops by the center on many other days to offer help to veterans who might need additional assistance with their claims or simply someone to talk to about their experience.”

In addition to his volunteerism in Bristol County, Manny extends his positive influence on Boston-area veterans once a week at the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center in Dorchester. The Harvard Street Veterans Center is the only health center in Boston that offers comprehensive services to veterans and their families including access to city, state and federal veterans-related benefits, housing, emergency services, legal services, and primary health and behavioral health treatment.

Manny has worked as a social worker for the Department of Social Services in New Bedford, and as a probation officer for the Falmouth District Court and Plymouth Superior Court, retiring as Assistant Chief Probation Officer in 2021.

In his nomination of Manny for the 30th Southeastern Veteran of the Year Award, Commander Borges concludes with this powerful testimony: “Through his tireless efforts, Manny has not only become a resource for veterans seeking assistance, he is a beacon of hope and inspiration within our veterans’ community. Manny’s presence is a reminder of the power of service, selflessness, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that unite all veterans.”

“Manny exemplifies what it means to live a life of service — both in and out of uniform,” said Michael Nash, Executive Director of Veterans Transition House. “His dedication to ensuring no veteran is left behind is exactly why this award exists. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary efforts.”

Sponsored by BankFive, the Veteran of the Year Reception and Dinner will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Century House. The public is invited to attend. Tickets ($75 each), veteran tickets ($50 each), tables ($750 each) and commemorative program advertisements ($125 to $500) can be purchased at www.vetshouse.org or by calling Christine Brown at 508-992-5313 extension 115.

Founded in 1990, Veterans Transition House has provided more than 3,500 Southeastern Massachusetts homeless veterans with transitional and permanent housing and comprehensive supportive services.