“The 1st Cavalry Department is actively trying to locate the elderly Fernandes who are missing,” the statement said. “Our primary concern is for his health and well-being.”
Fernandes is about 5 feet, 4 inches long, and weighs about 133 pounds, according to the Killeen police department, which is investigating his disappearance. Police said he was last seen wearing black army shorts and a t-shirt with red athletic shoes.
According to Killeen police, Fernandes’ family said the 23-year-old was last seen by his staff sergeant on Monday afternoon when he was dropped off at his home in Killeen.
“Monday came and went and he did not call, and he did not answer any calls from anyone else. Tuesday, no calls and my sister calmed down yesterday, and yet we have not heard from him yet,” she told KTRK.
According to Fort Hood, Fernandes is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Sustained Brigade. Finding him is a ‘top priority for the division,’ “the Fort Hood statement said.
“We have completed a search across the entire division area, to include motor poles, parking lots and headquarters buildings,” the statement said, “and the unit is in contact with the Soldiers family. [sic], the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and civil law enforcement agencies to help him find if we continue our search. “
Some soldiers have died under mysterious circumstances, including Pvt. 2nd Class Gregory Scott Morales, whose skeletal remains were found in a Killeen field in mid-June – 10 months after he disappeared. Fort Hood said in a statement at the time that foul play was suspected in his death.
CNN’s Alta Spells, Kay Jones and Ray Sanchez contributed to this report.
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