The U.S. Army is seeking the public's help in search of a missing Fort Hood soldier in Texas.

Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23-year-old, was last seen on Monday, according to officials. Fort Hood officials issued missing soldier alert on Thursday evening.

Police in nearby Killeen said that Fernandes was reported missing on Wednesday and was last seen or heard on Monday afternoon when his staff sergeant dropped Fernandes off at his home on Killeen.

Police described Fernandes as five feet eight inches tall, weighing 133 pounds. Fernandes was wearing an Army physical training shorts, color black. He was also reported wearing a T-shirt and red athletic shoes when he was last seen.

Fernandes specializes in chemical, biological radiological, and nuclear aspects in the Army. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade at the Central Texas Army installation. 

The missing soldier alert was issued to ensure his safety and well-being. People who have information on Fernandes' whereabouts have been asked to contact Fort Hood military police at 254-288-1170 or U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at 254-287-2722.

Fort Hood Disappearances

Some soldiers in the Army base have also been reported missing. Before Fernandes' disappearance, Pfc. Gregory Morales was reported missing last year in August.

His remains were found on Jun. 21 over 10 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Killeen police are still investigating his death.

On Jul. 1, Army officials found the remains of 20-year-old Pfc. Vanessa Guillen. Guillen was also a Fort Hood soldier reported missing since April. Her remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, which is 20 miles east of Fort Hood.

Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, reportedly killed and dismembered Guillen. Robinson had her body disposed of in nearby woods, according to state and federal officials. Robinson allegedly conspired with his girlfriend to make the killing.

The day that Guillen's remains were found, Robinson killed himself. His girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, 22, had been charged with three federal conspiracy counts related to Guillen's death. Aguilar pleaded not guilty to those federal charges. 

Fort Hood High Rates of Murder and Assault

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said Fort Hood has the highest rates of murder, sexual assault, and harassment in the Army.

McCarthy said they are getting an outside look to help them get to the root cause and understand them so that they can make the needed changes.

"We are going to put every resource and all of the energy we can in this entire institution behind fixing these problems," McCarthy said.

McCarthy noted that Guillen's death was the catalyst for the Army to focus on sexual harassment and assault in the military. The secretary also acknowledged the survivors who have come forward with their experiences on social media using the hashtag #IamVanessaGuillen.

Guillen's family insisted that Robinson sexually harassed her, but the Army said there is no evidence supporting that statement.

McCarthy said that Guillen's case is still under investigation. He added that he was disappointed and saddened that one of their own killed a teammate.

"It takes a shot at the system, and it rattles the system of the trust that you have to have in this profession," McCarthy said.