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The Long Gray Line is filled with men and women who have served their country with honor, courage, and distinction. One of those courageous young people is <em>Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez</em>. Born on February 19, 1983 in Heidelberg, Germany to Daniel, an Army non-commissioned officer, and his wife Vicki, Emily was a leader from the very beginning. She was a leader in her church, where she started an HIV/AIDS ministry, and also worked on AIDS issues for the Red Cross. She was a leader in the classroom as well, graduating from Oxon Hill High School in 2001 with a 4.6 GPA and as one of the top 10 graduates in her class.</p>
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Though preceded by an impressive lineage of soldiers and service, Emily was initially unsure if the military was right for her. Her grandfather, Bill Gunter, served with the 24th Combat Infantry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers), her great uncle, Eugene Harrison (USMC) was killed in action in World War II, Uncle Hylan Harrison (USMC) served in Vietnam, and Uncle Elmer Sargent retired as a sergeant major from the Army and served in Desert Storm. Still, as Emily pulled onto the hallowed grounds of West Point for a summer leadership conference, she was sure to tell her father, “Dad, I’m just doing this so I will have something to add to my resume.” However, by the end of the week, Emily’s thought process had completely transformed; she was captivated and committed to serving. The Corps of Cadets, she said, reminded her of a family and she was awestruck by the feeling of intense camaraderie.</p>
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Emily continually strived for excellence in all things while at West Point. Emily earned the Star Wreath and graduated in the top 10 percent of the class. She impressed her professors with her motivation and passion for learning. She was also completely unselfish. After her homework was done, she would quickly go and tutor other cadets all across the Corps, not returning until it was time for bed.</p>
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In athletics, Emily’s focus on selfless service continued to fuel her drive. To help the Army team beat Navy, Emily was willing to participate in an event she had no experience in—the triple jump. Despite not competing in the event previously, Emily excelled in the event and the points she earned while competing were critical to ensuring Army comfortably beat Navy each of her years at West Point. During her precious little free time between indoor and outdoor track seasons, Emily also was also a member of West Point’s first ever dance team, the IgKnightors.</p>
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At the core of all of her accomplishments was her beautiful soul. As the daughter of a minister and deacon, Emily was her happiest on Sundays. One could often hear Emily walking through Mac Long, Pershing, or Ike barracks on her way to Baptist services with her tambourine. Sunday was not the only place you would see Emily in worship.Sometimes she would be quietly leading a small group of friends in prayer before a test, or finding the perfect scripture from the Bible to provide counsel. She gave all of herself for her friends. Whether it was creating laughter to cheer someone up, or offering her counsel and shoulder in one’s hour of need, Emily was always there.</p>
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Although challenges rose in abundance, Emily never quit. One of her greatest traits was tenacity. Her favorite quote was, “However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). She lived and believed in God’s word, and leaned on Him to give her the strength to conquer her challenges. Her inspiration in life and her courage to do the right thing stemmed from her belief in God, and her belief that she could be a catalyst for change. She honestly yearned for not earthly rewards, but heavenly ones.</p>
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Upon graduation, Emily was assigned to the 204th Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX. On November 25, 2005, Emily was deployed to Forward Operating Base Kalsu in Iraq. Emily was the consummate soldier and officer: fit, agile mind, impeccable memory, and the desire to take care of her subordinates. Her soldiers flourished as a result of her leadership. They often called her <em>‘</em>Kobe’ because when chaos erupted, you wanted her on your team to make the winning shot. Stern but fair, the leadership and love she imparted to each of her soldiers can still be felt to this day. Her fellow soldiers were in awe of the young second lieutenant with wisdom and passion beyond her years. They all described her as giving and outgoing. Of her leadership, her gunner stated, “I would ride with her anywhere. She led from the front.” In addition to her duties as a medical support officer in Iraq, she also served as the choir director of their forward operating base. She continued to express her love and joy in the Lord through music and continued her long habit of reading her Bible every night and every morning.</p>
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Emily was set to return home a couple weeks from the date she was killed in action on September 12, 2006 in Al Kifl, Iraq. She is survived by her parents, Daniel and Vicki; her brother, Kevyn, and his wife, Kim; her beloved nephews and niece; and so many more who loved her throughout the years. Emily’s time here on this earth with us was too short, but it was full of love. She remains a constant presence in all of our hearts and minds, urging us to ask ourselves whether we have given our full measure and to continue loving one another as she loved us all.</p>