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War Hero Sues KFC

They REFUSED to Serve Me

'Cause of My Service Dog

8/21/2013 11:00 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF



The man behind the lawsuit is Charles Hernandez -- who describes himself as a "highly-decorated  and combat-disabled veteran of the Iraq war and a distinguished educator in the New York City school system."

There's more ... he was also New York City Council's Veteran of the Year in 2011 ... and was also "one of the first soldiers to arrive at the World Trade Center site" on September 11, 2001.

So, you'd think the guy would have no problems getting some fried chicken at his leisure, right?

Wrong, according to his new lawsuit filed in NYC.

Hernandez claims he walked into a KFC in NY back in February, along with his registered service dog Valor ... who accompanies Hernandez to soothe his symptoms of post-traumatic stress caused by years in combat.

But instead of being greeted with a smile and some chicken, Hernandez claims a KFC employee told him, "papi, there are no dogs allowed."

Hernandez says he explained that he had the proper permits to have the dog accompany him inside restaurants -- to which the employee replied, "ok, but you still cannot have the dog in the store."

Eventually, Hernandez left ... sans chicken ... and is now firing back with the lawsuit -- demanding at least $1,000,000 for his troubles.

God bless America.

An employee at the KFC restaurant where the incident took place tells us ... when Hernandez arrived with the dog, the animal was not wearing the proper service dog vest and identification.

However, in his lawsuit, Hernandez states -- "Valor wears a bright green vest and tags that clearly indicate that he is not a pet, but rather a highly trained service dog."

Sgt. Hernandez called into TMZ Live today to talk about the suit.



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This guy sued mcdonalds for the same thing. I smell a scam artist...

323 days ago


If he had the right credentials with him, he should have been let inside the store. But if that is the case, it sounds simply like a case of an employee who wasn't trained properly. He should be issued an apology and be promised that all employees will be better trained. Maybe a year worth of free chicken or something like that. But I don't see why he should be given ANY amount of money over this.

When people sue for money over things like this, it really makes me not take the whole lawsuit seriously.

323 days ago


Anyone that uses the word "papi" anywhere in the United States should be deported permanently.

323 days ago


Hope he wins money and kfc for life.

323 days ago


Did she really use the word papi? I hate when they do that, more if you don't know the person. BTW, Hope he gets something from it, at least Chicken for life.

323 days ago


Ignorant kids, that's why that kid will probably always work in the fast food service. Thank You for your service, Sgt. Hernandez and all our soldiers out there. God Bless Our Troops. If you don't like me saying that how about you go over to Iraq and fight for the safety of ignorant people who don't respect you or appreciate you.

323 days ago


I call B.S. There's no way KFC caused this man $1million worth of damage. I thought he was a hero but he's just another greedy SOB.

323 days ago


I hope he wins that and a lot more! dumb bastards better give him a lifetime supply of free chicken!
i will be boycotting KFC till this is resolved in his favor!

323 days ago


I've trained guard (police) dogs and service dogs in the past and can see both sides of the story...
The lawsuit should be against the employee and not the employer. Saying that, the employee may not have seen the dog correctly because of how the counters are designed for robbery attacks. The height and depth of the counters are designed to stop "sucker punches" in a robbery attempt.
Next time you go to a fast food restaurant look at the counter. You can't see the employee from the waist down. The employee has the same view so can't see the dog.
He should have asked for a manager or at very least pulled out his "paperwork" (usually an ID sized card to identify the dog and owner and that it's a service animal) and that would have been sufficient proof.

323 days ago


Why does he need to bring the dog with him. Does he needed to be SOOOTHE while eating chicken? It's not like he can't walk or blind. Geez.

gold digger.

323 days ago


what .how disrespectful . gold digger . no-one said that when he serviced in Iraq .or he whent first to the towers . and do people know exactly what you go through in war and despair . you served your country did lots for mankind and if tou need your dog with you f that you should have him if you please and is a trained animal so .f that again . if in case he wasn't wearing a vest oh well he said he had thw paper work so just show it . the kfc person said you still can't have the dog in the store . hope he gets what he wants and then some

323 days ago


NO dog should EVER be left outside under ANY cir***stances.

323 days ago


He'll never see that million. Most kfc aren't owned by kfc. And all states allow service dogs in restaurants. Its more of a case of employees that don't know the law. Nothing to get a million dollars over.

323 days ago

clarence turpin    

I just wrote a story about this myself too at this address. I think It was wrong to do this to him.

323 days ago


With all due honor and respect for persons with disabilities that require them to have service animals, what about the health codes that restrict such animals because food is prepared and/or served.

323 days ago

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