Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Reinaldo Perez, mortuary affairs collection point noncommissioned officer...... read more read more
Mortuary affairs specialist
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – With visitors ranging from Sen. John McCain to Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, 1st Theater Sustainment Command commanding general, the Soldiers of the mortuary affairs collection point here have often been recognized for their hard work and dedication to the fallen heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In every military setting there is always that certain individual who everyone considers to be the seasoned veteran of the group. For the 111th Quartermaster Company, out of Fort Lee, Virginia, Staff Sgt. Reinaldo Perez, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico native, mortuary affairs collection point noncommissioned officer in charge, exhibits and holds this praiseworthy status.
Perez has been a Soldier since 1986 and a mortuary affairs specialist since 1996.
“Staff Sgt. Perez is one of the finest noncommissioned officers in our Army,” said 1st Lt. Juan Bonnet, Bayamon, Puerto Rico native, mortuary affairs platoon leader assigned to the 111th QM Company. “He leads his team and executes this sensitive mission with the highest level of professionalism and humility.”
Having seen the perils of war first hand for many years, some may say he has mastered what it means to take care of America’s fallen heroes.
“Perez consistently leads by example making it his personal mission to train future leaders on what could be considered the Army’s most important mission,” said Bonnet.
Perez has served during several major conflicts, specifically The Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Well into the last month of his deployment, Perez and his team continue to provide support to America’s fallen heroes. One might think leading Soldiers in what may seem like a very grim career field would be hard, however, he instills in his Soldiers that it’s an honor and privilege to be able take care of fallen heroes.
“This deployment has been a learning experience and Staff Sgt. Perez has provided me with knowledge that I otherwise would not have received,” said Spc. Jordan Dasilva, Las Vegas, Nevada, native, Alpha Team member assigned to the 111th QM Company.
The mortuary affairs specialist military occupational specialty may not be for the faint at heart and may require strong, resilient and respectful individuals.
“Staff Sgt. Perez is excessively strict but his attention to detail and uncompromising leadership style makes it easy for me to look up to him as a leader,” said Pfc. Dalila Villatoro, Dallas, Texas native, Alpha Team member assigned to the 111th QM Company.
Perez works with his Soldiers on their resiliency in their downtime as he understands, from years of experience, the toll that dealing with the remains can take on the human psyche.
It takes a seasoned veteran to be able to balance his Soldier’s work with their need for resiliency and Perez is has been doing it for a long time.
Being away from home and successfully completing his mission on different fronts is a constant reminder of how valuable time with loved ones is.
“I have known Staff Sgt. Perez for quite some time now and I can tell you that his Family matters the most to him,” said Sgt. Luis Santiago, Naranjito, Puerto Rico native, Alpha Team leader assigned to the 111th QM Company. “However, his duties as a mortuary affairs specialist is something he values a lot.”
Perez has been married for more than 16 years. He has two children, a son and a daughter.
“Nothing fills me with more pride and joy than to see my two children grow up into young adults,” said Perez.
While his Family is a top priority to him, training and taking care of his Soldiers is a priority as well.
“My Soldiers are the future of the mortuary affairs specialist MOS and the future of the U.S. Army,” said Perez.
Perez is truly a leader of leaders, “He has endured a lot in order to ensure the proper treatment and quality care of fallen heroes,” said Bonnet. “His knowledge and genuine passion in the mortuary affairs field makes him one of a kind. While he would never acknowledge it on his own, Perez is truly a hero to the fallen heroes themselves as he ensures that their final trip home is carried out with the upmost dignity, reverence and respect.”
| Date Taken: | 08.25.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2014 02:30 |
| Story ID: | 140251 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Hometown: | AGUADILLA, PR |
| Hometown: | BAYAMON, PR |
| Hometown: | NARANJITO, PR |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | LAS VEGAS, NV, US |
| Web Views: | 526 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Leader of leaders, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT