AETC selects Sheppard sergeant for NOMAR award Published June 2, 2009 By Airman Adawn Kelsey 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Education and Training Command officials 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 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," Sergeant Perez said. "My dad survived the Vietnam War ,and I just want to make him proud. 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. "As Sergeant Perez's supervisor, I can truly say that she is a wonderful person. She's dedicated and professional," said Debra Owen, 382nd Training Support Flight chief. "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 noncommissioned officer 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 the diagnostic imaging leadership conference. Sergeant Perez said her husband, children and making her father proud have provided her motivation toward hard work and success. Sergeant Perez will now compete at the Air Force level. "It is amazing to win the award at this level," Sergeant Perez said. "I couldn't be happier with this career field. I love being in the Air Force, it has been so good to me."