Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by William Wu on September 21, 2006:

I first met Emily my firstie year living in BDE hallway together. I had returned late as it was from summer training and was already behind in trying to move in my room and get ready for the first day of class. As I scoured the hallway for my room I heard music blaring from down the hall punctuated by the piercing voice of a young woman who I swore reminded me of my old Drill Sergeant. All I could remember thinking was "Please don't let me live anywhere near that noise." Little did I realize that living next door to Emily would not only teach me things that made me grow mentally and spiritually, but also introduce me to a good friend and confidante. Watching Emily juggle her myriad of tasks from BDE CSM to track star to choral perfectionist, I was amazed at how she didn't let the stress of her duties affect her stalwart faith or cheerful personality. It wasn't rare to be amazed when you were around Emily. Her smile and gentle demeanor was a welcome sight when a friend was in turmoil. Yet be that plebe "falling out" en route to class or forgetting to "greet" an upperclassman and she let loose the full fury that those enormous chevrons on her collar represented. Her perfect balance of dedicated professionalism with personal empathy made her an inspiring leader and reliable friend. She was truly the embodiment of the belief to "be the change you want to see in the world." Emily, you will be missed not only by your close friends and family, but by all those soldiers, acquaintances, and souls you have touched along the way. God Bless. 2LT William Wu XO, HHC/Task Force Lightning Bagram, Afghanistan

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