Memorial Mission
Lessons of Courage:
Honoring
US Army 2LT Emily Perez
United States Army KIA
Buffalo, NY - 09/27/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
Patriot Guard Riders has been invited to participate in a special ceremony honoring US Army soldier 2nd Lieutenant Emily Perez, who gave her life in combat service to our Nation while serving in Iraq in 2006.
Quoting from the request submitted by Robin Hodges of the African American Veterans Monument: "We are honoring LT Emily Perez, a fallen hero, by laying a wreath and commemorative brick paver. LT Perez was the daughter of Vicki and Daniel Perez. She entered West Point in July 2001. The 9/11 attacks took place two months later. She was a great student and a terrific track athlete in the Army. Emily graduated from West Point in 2005. She deployed to the Iraq War in December 2005 as a Medical Service Corps officer with the 204th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
She volunteered to lead a convoy of vehicles in Iraq. She was tragically killed in action when a roadside bomb exploded next to her Humvee on September 12, 2006. She became the first Black female officer in U.S. military history to die while serving in combat. She is buried in the cemetery at West Point, NY. Her Gold Star Mother donated her West Point Class Ring to the National African American Museum in Washington, DC. Gold Star Mothers' and Families' Recognition Day is September 28. However, we have a group of 7th and 8th grade students visiting from Washington, DC, and I believe this will be an amazing experience for them. I would like the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders because you all have always been there for me in honoring my father, WWII Veteran Johnnie Hodges, and the African American Veterans Monument."
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
09/27/2025 at 11:00am
Staging Location:
African American Veterans Monument
Erie Street & 1 Marine Drive
Buffalo, NY 142021
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
Special Information:
PGR will provide a respectful flag line during the ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM. Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Army flag, and dress for the weather.
Please consider donating your time to help honor the US Army combat service of 2LT Emily Perez, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
rs 09/13; MER
