JASON PERRY

Jason Perry experienced a sea of emotions when his fellow guard members in the 278 left Warren County for Camp Shelby, making the final arrangements for deployment to Iraq. Perry was unable to go with his unit due to a medical situation. Doctors are still administering tests to pinpoint a possible heart problem that surfaced during training in Mississippi.

“I really hated to see them go without me,” said Perry. “We became close after living together for over four months during training.”

Perry realized there was a possibility that he would have to serve in Iraq when he joined the guard almost three years ago. He was willing to help his country in any way possible. He and his family own and operate Perry Paving and the close-knit family reside in the Irving College community. His parents are Tex and Pam Perry, and he has a brother, Brian and sister, Laura Beth Robinson. The apple of his eye is his 2-year-old niece, Katie Beth.

He is currently doing administrative work at the armory, keeping busy, but definitely thinking of his comrades and praying for their safety. It is a possibility that upon release from his doctors, he will also be deployed, something he will handle when the time comes.

“I’m ready,” says Perry. “Just have to get clearance from the doctors.”