Serving at Home

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Scott | Schofield Barracks, HI —Sgt. 1st Class Mark Peralta a 13J, Senior Fire Control Non-Commissioned Officer assigned to 25th Infantry Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division carries Zodiac boat to water while executing waterborne operations during the 25th DIVARTY 3-day exercise called “Thunder Stripes” consisting of rigorous, competitive tactical events for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers on April 8, 2021, at Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. This NCO LPD “Thunder Stripes” event was designed to build cohesive teams by elevating these key leaders’ physical and mental toughness, camaraderie, and commitment to the organization and Army values. Uniting the soldiers through shared hardship, this voluntary challenge built character, trust, and resilience, honoring the sexual assault victims within our formation and reinforcing each leader’s responsibility to protect our people and mission by eliminating and preventing sexual assault. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica B. Scott)  

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, UNITED STATES

06.10.2021

Story by 1st Lt. MEGAN GEPHART 

25th Infantry Division   

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - A U.S. Army Soldier currently assigned to 25th Infantry Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, is telling their story in support of the U.S. Army’s second all-virtual Army National Hiring Days event being held May 10-June 14, which aims to have 1,700 individuals raise their right hand to serve our nation.
 
Sgt. 1st Class Mark Peralta recently celebrated 15 years of service and has received extensive training as a 13J, Senior Fire Control Non-Commissioned Officer.

“I joined the Army because I wanted a sustainable career allowing myself to be independent as a young adult and opportunities to experience the world outside of the island” Peralta said. “I want the people of Waipahu to understand the Army can be a steppingstone to seek meaningful lifelong career opportunities.”
 
Peralta, who is originally from Waipahu, Hawaii, has earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) in General Studies, Senior Leaders Course, Drill Sergeant, and Battle Staff Certifications since enlisting in 2006.
 
“The most valuable benefit for me has been the relationships and networks you build which extend beyond your current career path and are everlasting,” Peralta said.
 
Throughout his career, Peralta has been stationed in Fort Bragg, NC, Camp Casey, South Korea, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, Fort Sill, OK, and Schofield Barracks, HI.
 
Since October 2018, he has been a Light Fighter serving in America’s Pacific Division.
 
In recent months, he has helped evaluate Soldiers and mentored Non-Commissioned Officers to refine their Military Occupational Specialty skills and proficiencies through a challenging “Best by Test” section competition.
 
“Serving within the 25th Infantry Division brings me joy through community service and the ability to give back to the island that raised me,” Peralta said. “The best part of being stationed so close to home is that I have the ability to provide my family with assistance if needed, and the opportunity to celebrate special occasions with them.”
 
Peralta will be stationed here until 2021 and plans to retire as a 13J, and become a Field Service Representative for the Field Artillery.
 
“The best part about serving in Schofield Barracks is that the weather is amazing all year round, and I get the live the island life most people have to plan a vacation for,” Peralta said.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2021
• Date Posted: 06.10.2021 17:20
• Story ID: 398634
• Location: SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US