MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole Perry, a native of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, recently completed the joint military paramedic course at Fayetteville Technical Community College while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England.
The primary purpose of the 20-week joint military paramedic course is to expand the skills of service members and increase the survivability of those in harm’s way. During the five-month course, service members learn advanced trauma and pre-hospital care skills to ensure they are prepared to deliver life-sustaining care in austere environments.
Perry is a 2021 Dartmouth High School graduate.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dartmouth.
"Lessons I learned growing up come from being in sports, after-school events and my family," Perry said. "Since the age of five, I have been playing sports for Dartmouth Youth Activities Association, the Dartmouth Youth Football League and New Bedford Bears. Sports taught me a great number of things, like to practice how I play and that hard work will pay off. From doing theater to being on the football field, I've gotten to meet a lot of people and learn how to work as a team. This has helped me in the Navy because it showed that if I work hard and work well with others, I will succeed. My family also plays a great role in why I have been successful in the Navy because my parents instilled a hard work ethic in me. They also taught me that once I start something, I have to finish it. My mom also told me that everything happens for a reason. I believe that's why I am where I am today."
Perry has served in the Navy for four years.
"I joined the Navy to advance my medical career and gain hands-on experience in an environment that challenges me to grow both personally and professionally," Perry said. "I have also always wanted to serve, do something bigger than myself and make a positive impact."
Today Perry serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.
"What I like best about being a hospital corpsman, paramedic and surgical technologist is the ability to make a real difference in people's lives every day," Perry said. "Whether it's in the operating room, clinic, or during an emergency, I have the privilege of being there for others in their most critical moments. The family and camaraderie are what make being a corpsman truly great. Creating lifelong bonds on deployments and having a work family at the clinic is truly amazing. Every day brings new challanges and learning opertunities, and that constant growth is what makes this career so amazing."
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Perry has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Some of my proudest moments in the Navy are passing paramedic school, gaining my national registry, and winning Warfighter of the Quarter while deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo," Perry said.
Perry serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Perry serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
"Serving in the Navy means being part of a family that shares the same values of loyalty, respect and commitment," Perry said. "It's about taking care of others, just like my own family, and working together towards a greater purpose. The Navy has given me a sense of belonging, pride and a chance to make a difference."