20-year-old Lance Corporal Guillermo Perez died tragically in a training accident off the coast of California. He was one of 15 other Marines on an assault vehicle when it sank near San Clemente Island on July 30th.
Eight Marines were rescued, but one died later on and two are in critical condition. The Marines have noted that this may be the worst accident involving that type of vehicle since the service began almost 50 years ago.
New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman says that Perez was an amazing cadet who knew the importance of giving back. Not just to his county, but his community as well. “He made a commitment when he was in middle school that when he got to high school, he wanted to be in the Marine Junior ROTC program,” Brockman says.
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An official with New Braunfels ISD says that Perez spent most of his time at New Braunfels High School before graduating from the School of Choice in March of 2019. Both Brockman and Lt. Mark House, the senior marine instructor at NBHS, say that Perez had a promising future in the military. “According to Lt. Col.House, he was an outstanding cadet,” Brockman says. “He showed leadership, he had lots of friends, he was a strong student.”
Perez was officially escorted home by the New Braunfels Police Department. Several of the New Braunfels residents lined the streets in honor of their local hero. Flags were also placed along some of the streets and plaza. Brockman notes how important it is that Perez got the recognition and respect he deserved.
“We are proud of him. We appreciate his service so we want to be there for him and his family.” A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the costs of Perez’s funeral. In just the time span of a few days, more than $14,000 has been donated.
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