Photo By Pfc. Isaiah Mount | Pvt. Angelina Perez, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Foxtrot Company, 4th Attack Battalion,...... read more read more
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Fort Carson, Colo. – Those who wear the Uniform of the Armed Services don’t stop serving when they take the uniform off. Soldiers often find themselves in extraordinary situations especially when they’re off duty. Whether it’s a chance encounter or a late-night emergency, these unsung heroes don’t hesitate to lend a hand, save a life, or offer comfort to those in need.
Pvt. Angelina Perez, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Foxtrot Company, 4th Attack Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, was born in Burton, Ohio and through the support of her parents decided to join the Army. Perez’s husband is a mechanic which led her to join as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic as she thought that it would be a great career to have after her Army career.
On May 20th, 2024, Perez was on her way home when she noticed a woman on a bridge and took steps to save her life. After stopping her car, Perez got out and began speaking with her to try and calm her down.
“I saw her looking over the bridge and I said to myself that doesn’t seem right,” Perez said. “I asked her about herself, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her there.”
Perez talked with the woman and then quickly went to grab her phone to call 911, but when turning around she saw that the woman had climbed onto the ledge of the bridge.
“I ran back, and I told her no you can’t jump, and I tried pulling her off and started to talk her down,” Perez said. “I told her, " There are people that care about you, there are resources out there for you, I can get you the help you need, you just have to let me help you.”
Another passerby joined Perez, and together they contacted emergency services. With their intervention, the woman was taken to safety.
“I just felt like something was very wrong about the situation,” Perez said. “When she felt like she needed to jump, I felt like I needed to help her. My uncle’s girlfriend jumped off the Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2020, and looking into her story it made me realize how often people jump from bridges in an attempt to end their life. So, seeing her on the bridge I felt like I needed to help her.”
Despite facing hardships in her own life, Perez's character is a shining example of compassion and selflessness and shows what it truly means to represent selfless service.
“As soon as she got here, she started helping other Soldiers when they needed it.” Said Sgt. William Davis, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Attack Battalion, 4th, Aviation Regiment, Foxtrot Company, 4th Infantry Division. “It feels great that she also cares for her co-workers as much as I do. It’s nice knowing that if I’m not able to get to a Soldier in need I can always rely on her. I can’t be any more proud of her.”
“There are people out there that can help you, and I am definitely one of them.” Perez said, “You just have to be brave enough to ask, and you have to be brave enough to accept the help that someone might be extending.”
Her actions show that compassion knows no rank and that heroism transcends titles.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2024 15:56 |
| Story ID: | 475538 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 679 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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