Perez Studios

I just want to say thank you to all the men and women that have served this country.

That’s all for today!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

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Okay, I don’t want you to look for Waldo in this photo but instead look for Manuel Perez in the following photos.  If you can find me in both pictures I will give you access to something nice.  Maybe a Demonoid Invite or if its something else you want then let me know! 

The photo on the left is of my platoon in Corporal’s Course in Camp Pendleton, California.  Our platoon Sergeant was Staff Sergeant Moss.  The photo taken on August 12, 1998.  Right after I got promoted to Corporal the First Sergeant wanted to test me and see if I would fail Corporal’s Course.  I passed with flying colors. 

In Corporal’s Course they teach you Leadership, Weapons and Small Unit Tactics, Management and Drill.  Drill is probably one of my most favorite tasks.  You are on a large parade deck with an entire platoon to lead and you are given a drill card that has a list of different movements to put the platoon through.  You begin with presenting the platoon to the judge and then begin with the movements.  The key to drilling is to get the platoon in and out of the movements.  That way you only use a small portion of the parade deck and it is over quickly.

They also inspect you very thoroughly so that you are capable of inspecting your platoon.  Overall the course was great.  I got to stay with a friend and his wife that I knew from communications school.  My wife came over and we spent the time together.  I love Oceanside and the weather is almost as perfect as San Diego. 

The photo on the right is from Marine Combat Training.  This is the training that they put Marines through right after Boot Camp.  Here you learn a lot about Weapons, Infantry Training and other Combat Skills. 

This photo is of Golf Company – 3rd Squad – 3rd Platoon in Camp Pendleton, California.  I took this photo in October of 1996.  I was only 18 in this photo. 

Remember, if you can find Waldo, I mean me, then I will reward you!  Leave your answer in the comment box or either email me.  I will send the winner the reward of their choice.

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

One day while I was in Okinawa, Japan back in 1999-2000 my friends and I all decided to go rent some underwater gear to check out this one area that the scuba divers use.  I rented an underwater camera housing unit and some snorkeling gear and we took off.  I was kind of curious to see how the camera would operate but it was fairly simple.  I used one of those disposable cameras and it worked fine. 

The photo on the left is of me underwater with the snorkeling gear on.  We had a blast at this place.  In fact a couple of months later some other friends and I went back to check it out again.  We found some underwater caves that took you over to the other side of a big cliff.  We held our breaths and dove in and raced over to the other side.  When I came up I came up too soon and scratched my back on some coral.  It was very painful after I got out of the water. 

We explored the other side of this cliff and found some caves that were above ground.  One even went in about 20 feet or so.  It started to get very tight at the end and we had to crawl out. 

I had a blast while in Japan but it does get kind of sad when the other half of you isn’t there with you.  I eventually left the Marine Corps after serving four years on Active Duty.  I think of the Corps as a place that anyone will transform into another person that has lots of self respect, respect for others, discipline, and time management skills. 

Until recently, I used to think that all the jobs I got were because of the discipline that the Corps instilled in me, but when I interviewed at two different jobs recently and didn’t get the jobs, I began to think that I am losing those traits that the Corps gave me. 

So, I began working on getting those traits back by giving my all at my work, my marriage and my life.  I started on an exercise program back in April called Beachbody’s Insanity and I went from 240lbs to 223lbs in 60 days.  I must say that Insanity is probably one of the toughest programs I have done and remember, I went to the United States Marine Corps Boot camp.  After the 60 days I tried some other programs but none of them gave me the performance like Insanity.  I have also started using my Bowflex to build muscle which they say burns fat.  I have seen a big difference.  I am now at 218lbs and have had to buy a new belt that is smaller than the other one because the other was too big. 

My goal is to get to 175lbs eventually but I am just trying to get to the 200lb mark first.  I know I can do it with a lot of hard work and dedication.  I am drinking water like it were candy and trust me the cravings for soda is almost unbearable. 

I know I can do it and if you are on some kind of diet, then I would love to hear about it.  If you have any questions about the photos from Okinawa, Japan or the Insanity program please feel free to let me know.  I would love to work with you all.

That’s all for today!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

While I was in Kuwait back in 1997, we had an experience that was amazing.  When we arrived back home, I had a promotion warrant for me.  I had gotten promoted to Corporal.  It was a big thing for me because ever since I first signed up to be in the Marine Corps, I wanted that Blood Stripe and I knew that I had to work hard to get it and to keep it.  The ceremony was short and sweet but it was cool to get promoted in such a surprise.  I eventually got promoted to Sergeant in 2000 just about a month or two before I got out which was another key step for me because being a Sergeant is something else. 

That’s all for today.

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

I was going through some old photos and found this one of me while I was in Kuwait back in 1998.  We were there for an exercise and we were in some really hot weather.  I must say that after being inside the belly of an M1A1 that I have more respect for tankers!  God Bless them!  This photo of me is me manning the Tank Commander and the 50 Caliber.  While in Kuwait we experienced temperatures at about 120 degrees and the driver passed out.  They needed someone to man the driver’s seat so they put me in it.  I stripped down to my skivvies because it was so hot in there.  All I remember was a pool of sweat after we got done.  I think I lost some weight while I was over there.  I should go back so I can lose some more.  

Today marks the 234th Birthday of the Marine Corps.  I must say I miss every minute of being with my fellow Marines.  I want to take time now to thank every single Marine from the ones that have gone before us to the ones just about to earn the title.  I appreciate everything you do or have done for our country and Corps.  I know it may seem hard but just remember that we are the Few, The Proud, The MARINES!

If anyone would like to leave a comment for their Marine please feel free to do so. 

God Bless you all that are in harms way for our country.  May God bring you home safely and soon!

Semper Fi!

This is an old photo of myself that was taken on my first field operation while in the Marine Corps.  My job was a Field Radio Operator and I was attached to 1st Tank Battalion, H&S Company, Communications Platoon.  I was in Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.  My first mission was to create a Re-Transmit Site on the top of an observation point.  It was an easy task and we managed to survive the whole mission without getting killed so that was good.

Anyone have any photos to share of themselves when they were in the military please do.  I would love to see them.