Pérez received The Robert A. Gannon Award for his poem “Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War,” a poetic-memoir on the 30th Anniversary of Desert Storm during the Covid pandemic and the resurgence of PTSD due to isolation.
Third-Class Petty Officer Pérez is a Navy Corpsman who served with the 2nd Marines, including deployment during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and humanitarian operations following Hurricane Andrew. A specialized field medic and Spanish-language translator, he served at multiple duty stations and completed advanced medical and military training. He later earned a degree in Healthcare Management and a teaching certificate, and now works as a high school history teacher, with his service recognized by several military honors.
Pérez is among 20 recipients recognized this year for their exceptional portrayal of Marine Corps history, traditions, and culture across a range of disciplines, including photography, documentary filmmaking, journalism, poetry, nonfiction, and fiction writing.
"Through their exceptional talent and authenticity, these outstanding writers, artists, and photographers explore the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps,” said MajGen James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret), the Foundation's President and CEO. "We are privileged to highlight their remarkable work at our Foundation's Annual Awards and hope that their example inspires others to tell the story of our Marine Corps.”
Annual Awards recipients are selected by a panel of accomplished Marines and civilian experts. Past honorees include celebrated novelists, bestselling authors, national columnists, network producers, and active-duty Marines whose work reflects a deep commitment to accurately telling the Marine Corps story, often through firsthand experience in challenging and dangerous environments.
Each award recipient receives a gold medallion, a commemorative brick along the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park pathway adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and a cash prize.
The full list of award recipients is available on the Foundation’s website. For interviews with award recipients, please contact Haylee Sigafoose at hsigafoose@susandavis.com.