Meet A Brother - Emmanuel "Manny" Fernandes

Worshipful Brother Emmanuel R. Fernandes was recently honored as the 2024 Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year, a prestigious award recognizing local veterans for outstanding contributions to fellow veterans and the community. This honor, bestowed by the Veterans Transition House (VTH), highlights Brother Fernandes’s dedication to Charity beyond the call of duty. For 30 years, VTH has sought nominees who exemplify service to others, and Brother Fernandes’s selection as the 30th annual award winner speaks to the impact of his work and intention in exemplifying the values of this Freemasonry in his everyday life. Being named Veteran of the Year is a public recognition of his lifelong commitment to helping others, especially his fellow servicemembers.

His Journey of Masonic Leadership

Worshipful Brother Fernandes’s commitment to service also shines in his journey in Freemasonry. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 12, 2010, passed to Fellow Craft in February 9, 2010 and raised to the degree of Master Mason in March 9, 2010 at Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Even as a new Mason, Manny immersed himself in lodge activities and earned the Grand Lodge’s Rookie Award for his enthusiasm early in his Masonic career. He steadily progressed through the officer ranks of his lodge: serving as Junior Deacon, then Senior Deacon, and advancing through the Wardens’ chairs. His brethren elected him as Worshipful Master of Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Lodge, a position he held from 2019 to 2021 guiding the lodge forward through the COVID years.

In addition to his mother lodge, Brother Fernandes is affiliated with Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston and Paul Revere Lodge in Brockton as a dual member. These affiliations reflect his broader engagement in the Craft and his desire to connect with Brethren across different lodges. He is also active in appendant Masonic bodies, being a member of both the Scottish Rite and York Rite, further exemplifying his commitment to Masonry.

A 33-Year Military Career of Service and Honor

Brother Fernandes served 33 years in the U.S. Army, beginning as an Army National Guard medic in 1988 and eventually retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). Along the way he earned a commission through ROTC and took on a wide range of leadership and staff roles, including command positions and overseas deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his retirement, Brother Fernandes had earned numerous military decorations for his distinguished service; among them the Army Meritorious Service Medal and multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. His service awards also include campaign medals for Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism, reflecting deployments to war zones, as well as the Armed Forces Service Medal and other honors. These accolades underscore his military career which has been marked by dedication, leadership, and sacrifice.

Serving Fellow Veterans and the Community

What truly set Brother Fernandes apart, and led to his Veteran of the Year recognition, is his ongoing service to fellow veterans and his community involvement after his military retirement. He is committed to the Fall River Veterans’ Center, home of the Veterans Association of Bristol County, where he serves on their Board of Directors. In this role, Brother Fernandes helps guide their mission to ensure veterans across the region receive the care, resources, and community support they deserve. 

He also chooses to volunteer at least twice per week with Disabled American Veterans Chapter #9 in Fall River, assisting veterans with the challenging VA claims process. By providing technical help, encouragement, and one-on-one guidance, he has directly affected the lives of countless veterans and their families. “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,” wrote one nominator, emphasizing the profound impact of his dedication. 

Worshipful Brother Emmanuel R. Fernandes exemplified the values and tenets of the Fraternity both in Uniform and in the lodge. His recent Veteran of the Year Award is another testament to many years of public service, selflessness, and leadership that has touched many lives. In Freemasonry, his recognition as a standout Mason demonstrates that same drive to lead, improve and serve. Brother Fernandes actions illustrates how the Masonic values of Faith, Hope and Charity translate into real-world scenarios. His story is an inspiring reminder of the personal challenge we've accepted, and the beliefs we volunteer ourselves to in Freemasonry.  Brother Fernandes reminds us that we're here to be inspired by our Brethren, but also to be inspiring!

I ask, what difference can one Mason make, when he truly lives the values of Freemasonry, wholeheartedly? To find that answer, we must look to the East, and also to recognize Brethren who remain zealous, and improve themselves in Masonry.

Well done, Brother Fernandes! Well done, Brethren All!