FROM MILITARY SERVICE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE- Jamie Perry — An Army Reservist, Wife, Mother, and Business Owner Making a Difference

FROM MILITARY SERVICE

TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

Jamie Perry — An Army Reservist, Wife, Mother, and Business Owner Making a Difference

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

A commitment to discipline, equality, and giving back to others has shaped Jamie Perry's journey from military service to becoming a local business owner.

Some people find their purpose through military service, while others discover that the lessons learned in uniform can make an equally important difference right here at home. For Jamie Perry, those two worlds have come together in a remarkable way.

As an Army Reservist, wife, mother, and owner of Airborne, Jamie has built her life around the values of discipline, perseverance, respect, and integrity. Her story is one of service, determination, and a desire to give others opportunities that she believes every child deserves.

Jamie's decision to join the military was driven by a desire to give back to her country while continuing to expand her knowledge and experience in criminal justice, particularly within military police.

"Serving my country is an honor. I am very prideful of it and blessed that I am able to do so," Jamie explains.

Her military journey began with the West Virginia National Guard, where she served from June 2019 until September 2023. In September 2023, she transitioned into the Army Reserve, continuing her military career as a Military Police Soldier, MOS 31B. She has proudly served in that military occupational specialty for eight years.

Throughout her military experience, Jamie has had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and train alongside members of different military branches.

One of the greatest experiences, she says, has been meeting fellow service members from across the country and learning how other branches operate.

The rewards of military service have also come through hard work, perseverance, and recognition of the effort she puts into every assignment.

"Serving has made me more disciplined. It has taught me not to give up when a task gets difficult."

Perhaps one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is a simple one:

"No one's going to do the work for you."

Jamie says she has not experienced many challenges as a female service member and has been treated fairly and with kindness throughout her military career.

Her advice to anyone considering military service is equally straightforward:

"Take the risk. Allow the military to take you places you've never been before. Life is short. You can always come back home. It will be waiting on you when you are ready to come back."

FAMILY, MILITARY SERVICE, AND A SHARED UNDERSTANDING

Military service is also an important part of Jamie's family life.

She is married to Jack Perry, who serves in the Army National Guard in an active-duty reserve capacity. The two met through mutual friends within the military and share an understanding of the unique responsibilities and commitments that come with military life.

Together, they are raising their two children while balancing family responsibilities, military obligations, and the demands of running a business.

Jamie says her husband understands the military lifestyle because he has been part of it since 2018.

His support has also been important in helping her balance the many responsibilities that come with operating Airborne.

"He helps me balance everything," Jamie says, emphasizing the importance of communication and maintaining a strong relationship with the parents whose children participate in her program.

For Jamie, structure and routine are essential. Those same qualities that military service has reinforced in her have become important parts of both her family life and her business.

AIRBORNE — GIVING EVERY CHILD A FAIR CHANCE

While Jamie's military career has helped shape her character, another important chapter of her life has been her decision to open Airborne.

Her passion for cheerleading and tumbling began many years ago. Jamie cheered for 16 years, but she also remembers the limitations she experienced growing up.

Despite her dedication and ability, she believes her economic background prevented her from receiving some of the opportunities and recognition she deserved as a young athlete.

That experience became the inspiration behind Airborne.

"I opened Airborne so everyone can have a fair chance, no matter who you are or where you come from."

Her husband, Jack, is also involved in Airborne, and Jamie acknowledges that her military background influenced the way she wanted to operate the business.

However, her greatest motivation was to create a fair tumbling environment without politics, where children could develop their abilities based on their effort and potential.

The military values of discipline and equality are now reflected in the way she approaches her business.

Jamie believes every child deserves an opportunity to learn, improve, and succeed without being judged by their background or circumstances.

She hopes the children who come through Airborne will develop much more than athletic abilities.

Her goal is for them to learn discipline, respect, and integrity toward others — qualities that can serve them throughout their lives.

When asked about her proudest moments as a business owner, Jamie doesn't point to awards or personal recognition.

Instead, she finds her greatest satisfaction in watching children develop new skills and accomplish things they may never have thought possible.

She is particularly proud of being able to give back to the community by helping families afford opportunities for their children to participate in tumbling.

For Jamie, seeing a child succeed is one of the greatest rewards of all.

THE MILITARY INFLUENCE — VALUES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

The connection between military service and civilian life is something Jamie understands firsthand.

The discipline, structure, and accountability developed through military service have become important tools in managing her business and everyday responsibilities.

She believes that maintaining a structured environment helps children understand the importance of commitment, consistency, and respect.

She also recognizes that military service carries sacrifices that many people outside the military may not fully understand.

Being in the military means knowing that you can be called to duty at any time and sent anywhere.

That reality has given Jamie an even greater appreciation for the support she receives from the local community.

She credits that support as an important part of her journey and acknowledges that she could not do it without the people who have stood behind her.

The experience has also strengthened her appreciation for veterans and the sacrifices military families make every day.

When asked what she hopes people understand about veterans, Jamie emphasizes the daily commitment and sacrifices they make while serving their country and communities.

It is a commitment that extends beyond the uniform and often involves families who must adjust to changing schedules, unexpected assignments, and the possibility of separation.

A MESSAGE OF PERSEVERANCE, HUMILITY, AND SERVICE

Looking back on her journey, Jamie hopes her story encourages others to believe in themselves and pursue opportunities they might otherwise overlook.

Her message is simple: You can accomplish anything you set your mind to if you are willing to work hard, remain grounded, and never lose your sense of humility.

From her years of military police service to her responsibilities as a wife and mother, and now as the owner of Airborne, Jamie Perry continues to demonstrate the importance of putting values into action.

Her military service represents a commitment to protecting and serving her country. Her work at Airborne represents another kind of service — helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and the opportunity to succeed.

Both reflect the same belief that hard work matters; everyone deserves a fair opportunity, and the lessons we learn along the way should be shared with others.

As we recognize our military veterans and those currently serving, Jamie Perry reminds us that service does not end when someone steps away from military duty.

Sometimes, the greatest impact of military service can be seen in the communities, families, and young lives that benefit from the values carried home.

THANK YOU, JAMIE PERRY, FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND FOR YOUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY!