MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
Flying takes more than a pilot and a craft, and Aviation Operations Specialist SGT Sophia Perez is one of the Soldiers whose work from the ground keeps the West Virginia Army National Guard in the air.
Perez, 23, studies Aviation Management at Fairmont State University full-time, building on knowledge and experience gained from her five years in the WVARNG. The Martinsburg native is currently assigned to the Fixed Wing Army Aviation Training Site (FWAATS) in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Her flight operations and administrative duties support the schoolhouse, the only Army National Guard (ARNG) training site that provides Army aviator (Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard) fixed wing training instruction.
FWAATS is also home to some of her best times in the Guard.
“Getting pinned sergeant by my grandpa, Steve McGee, in the hangar at FWAATS is one of my favorite moments,” Perez said.
“Honestly, (I joined) for the college benefits, but I’ve stayed because of the community, opportunities, and working with the FWAATS family,” said Perez.
“I am grateful for the personal development and experiences the Guard has given me,” she said. Perez has branched out and trained as both an instructor and as part of the WVNG’s CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) team. Traveling and meeting people has also fed into other interests - cooking, playing billiards and trivia with friends.
“Always make connections no matter where you go because it will always help you later,” said Perez. “Be inviting and leave a good first impression.”
“I also make it a point to try a food I haven’t before,” she said.
Cooking, hanging with friends and studying full-time was made easier when she bought her home, the accomplishment she’s proudest of. Though, “the day I adopted my dog was easily one of the best days of my life (don’t tell my kitten that!).”
At 23 years old, Perez has her feet on the ground with a strong place in the Guard and her life. Her eyes are looking up and forward to the sky, as well. She’s finishing her third year at FSU and thinking about a graduate degree in safety at West Virginia University.
Perez said she’d like to truly enjoy her career, whether it’s in the military or civilian sector. Eventually creating multiple streams of passive income that allow her to live in both West Virginia and Florida is a personal goal.
While working towards her goals, Perez is proud that serving as a Soldier is such a cornerstone of the experience. With a father who served in the Air Force and a cousin serving as a Navy pilot, Perez seems to have found balance while continuing a legacy of service.
“Being ready to be activated to respond to national disasters and tragedy is what our oath is about,” Perez said. “Community means a lot to me, and I’d like to think of myself as someone who positively represents mine for the nation.”