AETC selects Sheppard sergeant for NOMAR award

  • Published
  • By Airman Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Education and Training Command recently announced Master Sgt. Erica L. Perez, 382nd Training Squadron, as the command's winner for the 2009 National Organization for Mexican American Rights Meritorious Service Award. 

The NOMAR Meritorious Service Award honors military members and Department of Defense civilian employees who supported the DoD mission, current global operations and demonstrated role model qualities and the core values of their respective military service or agency. 

"Being a minority and accomplishing something like this is amazing. My dad survived the Vietnam War and I just want to make him proud," Sergeant Perez said. "I was surprised to win and I didn't realize how big of a deal this really was. Friends and people from all parts of the Air Force send me e-mails congratulating me." 

Sergeant Perez said she is very dedicated to her job and has had many accomplishments over her 15-year Air Force career. Her supervisor said she, too, can see why Sergeant Perez was selected for the honor. 

"As Sergeant Perez's supervisor, I can truly say that she is a wonderful person. She's dedicated and professional," Debra Owen said. "I think the world of her." 

According to Sergeant Perez's award package, while at her home station, she led the largest diagnostic imaging service managing 59 personnel and $10 million in assets.
During her previous assignment as the diagnostic imaging superintendent, 99th Medical Operations Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sergeant Perez deployed 124 days in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Also as a NCO in charge, she led the only direct capture digital unit in the area of responsibility, providing care for 8,500 United States and coalition forces. 

Now that Sergeant Perez is stationed at Sheppard, she said it is strange being back where she started her career in 1994. However, her dedication and motivation is as distinguished here as it has ever been. 

As the sole manager of the 105-hour, five-volume career development course serving 1,500 total Air Force personnel, Sergeant Perez was selected to modernize the career field education and training plan while attending diagnostic imaging leadership conference. 

Sergeant Perez said her husband, children and making her father proud has been her motivation towards hard work and her success. Now that has she won the award at the command level, Sergeant Perez will compete against others at the Air Force level. 

"It is amazing to win the award at this level. I couldn't be happier with this career field. I love being in the Air Force, it has been so good to me," Sergeant Perez said.