Emily’s Way: Gold Star Mother shares daughter’s inspiring story

By Brandy Cruz

Daughter, sister, friend, leader, encourager, competitor, singer and giver of hugs. Those are all descriptions of 2nd Lt. Emily Perez, but above all those descriptions, her greatest joy was the love and faith she had in God … and country.

Emily was the first African American cadet Brigade Command Sgt. Major of West Point. A feisty, 5-foot, 3-inch cadet, nicknamed Taz because her fellow cadets said she was like the Tasmanian Devil, she was both feared and revered for her leadership, conviction and heart. Although tough as nails in formation, she would spend her free time tutoring the cadets and writing letters of encouragement for those who felt like quitting West Point.

“In her diary, she wrote that people have taken care of her all her life and now she had the opportunity to take care of other people,” Vicki Perez said of her daughter. “Her biggest concern was taking care of her Soldiers.”

Emily’s perpetuity to help others led her to become a Medical Service Corps officer. The same heart that reassured Soldiers when they felt like giving up at West Point, was also the same heart who volunteered to go out on convoy Sept. 12, 2006, taking the place of an inexperienced leader while deployed with the 204th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Iraq.

On that fateful day 14 years ago, Emily paid the ultimate sacrifice when an improvised explosive device exploded under her Humvee. It was a day Daniel, father, and Vicki will never forget – the day they became a Gold Star Family, an “honor” no parent wants – but many have to face.

Over the next few weeks, her family would learn that Emily was the first African American female officer to die in combat in Iraq, she was the first female graduate of West Point to die in the Iraq War and she was the first West Point graduate of the “Class of 9/11” to die in combat.

“My first question to the casualty assistance officer was ‘Was it instant?’ because the thought of her being hurt,” Vicki said, holding back tears. “I know the first thing she would think is, she would want me (to comfort her).” For the family’s full story visit HERE

Remembering a Good Soldier

By Richard Bumgardner

For Terra Good, an Army spouse who is also a Department of Army civilian working with the Security Assistance Command in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, being Army Strong is more than a motto; it is a way of life.

Over the course of their marriage, Terra and her husband, Lt. Col. Jason Good, a 20-year combat veteran with six tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, spent more than five years apart due to his military duties and assignments.

Jason, known as Goody to family and friends, fell right into his duties as a regional commander and over the next year became well-known as the face of DCMA after starring in an agency video, “What DCMA Does­.”.

Jason had also been notified that he was selected by the senior service boards to attend the Army War College, a stepping stone to increased senior leadership assignments and responsibilities.

“He was very proud of that selection which he viewed as a benchmark to a successful career,” Good said.

Then on Feb. 6, 2018, Jason woke up feeling a little “off.”

“We thought it was just cold-like symptoms he had been fighting the past few days,” Good said. “He decided to rest a bit longer, but unfortunately he never woke up.”

The autopsy revealed he had an acute aortic dissection.

“Jason’s passing was by far the hardest life hurdle I have had to deal with. The support we received from the Army, and the Carlisle Barracks installation, was heartfelt,” she said. “It is a small community and during our tragic time, they embraced us and lifted us up.” For the full story VISIT HERE