Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by CPT Sharon D. Denson on September 19, 2006:

LT Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez was an extraordinary young lady and a great officer. She had achieved more at 23 years old than most will in a lifetime. She often spoke of her childhood and growing up in Germany. Her father was prior military so she knew a great deal about being a soldier. We often shared stories of family and friends, and she was especially proud of her three little nephews, from her brother and only sibling. She had countless pictures of family and friends that will last for a lifetime. I was amazed at how many people she touched and inspired along the way, and I'm definitely one of them. Emily was very proud of her accomplishments, especially her attendance and graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Most of us did not understand much about West Point prior to meeting Emily, but she made sure we understood her dedication, determination, and desire to be one of the best. Her confidence, good spirit and display of genuine concern for her Soldiers is what attracted most people to her. She was far more courageous than I and she always led from the front. I remember Emily telling me that she led all her convoys because it was her duty to bring them home safely. If you had the privilege to meet Emily then you know that she was young, spirited, and energetic, and watching her gave me hope for future military leaders to come. She was excited about leading her platoon in a combat zone, and she often looked at her senior leaders for guidance. Emily started out as my roommate and buddy, but she became so much more than that, she was my sister in the flesh and spirit. I called her my little sister and my dear friend, but most of the time I wasn't sure who was mentoring who! She was wise beyond her years and I often commented that she wasn't the average 23 year old. She definitely knew what she wanted out of life and she was very well rounded. Emily was our choir director at FOB Duke and again at her dedication, strong faith in the Lord and love for music allowed her to lead us into songs of joy and true worship. She was as dedicated to the Gospel service and the choir as she was to her daily mission. She was ambitious and constantly seeking opportunities to excel. Just watching her joy and enthusiasm made you want to do better and give more. I know God doesn't make mistakes, but she was truly a good girl. She was an example of what right is supposed to be when you have children, send them off to college and then release them into the world to make it a better place. She faithfully read her bible every night before bed and every morning before leaving the room. Her mother is a minister and her father a deacon, they definitely ensured that she had a strong spiritual background. So the tears I've cried are not for her soul because she was definitely a believer, so I know she's with the angels. I'm mourning more for her family who loved her so much and made her the center of their world. I must admit, I also cry when I think of not seeing her again, not having her walk on my side, not having her across the table at chow, and not being able to talk to her at night before bed. I also mourn for those of you who never got to know her because she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. As I close, I want to say thanks to Cpl Johnson & Spc Truesdell for being part of LT Perez's dream team as she would call it, because she often expressed comfort in having what she felt was the best to ride along with her. You did all you could and no one could ask for more, not even Emily. I'm sure she was watching over her soldiers and ensured that everyone else was okay. Mission complete LT Perez, well done, rest in peace. I LOVE YOU

admin