Harrison Native Alexandra Perez Promoted to U.S. Army Major

The Town of Harrison paid tribute to one of its own on the evening of March 3, 2026, when U.S. Army officer Alexandra Perez was formally promoted to the rank of Major during a special ceremony held in the Mayor and Council Chambers at Harrison Town Hall. The promotion ceremony was held immediately following the Harrison Mayor and Council meeting at the request of Major Perez, a former Harrison resident who wished to celebrate the milestone in the community where her American journey began.

Family members, friends, and local officials gathered in the council chambers to witness the ceremonial pinning of rank and to recognize Perez’s service and dedication to the United States of America. The ceremony highlighted both her military accomplishments and the story of her path to becoming an officer in the United States Army.

From Peru to Harrison: An American Story

Major Perez’s story reflects a classic American narrative of opportunity, perseverance, and service. She was born in Paramonga, Peru, and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven, settling in Harrison, New Jersey, where she grew up.

Inspired by a desire to serve her adopted country, Perez enlisted in the United States Army in 2009. Her commitment to military service and education later led her to pursue an officer’s commission. In 2014, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps through Seton Hall University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Her promotion to Major marks the latest step in a career defined by leadership, service, and professional achievement.

Military Service and Leadership

Throughout her Army career, Major Perez has served in a variety of leadership and medical operational roles, demonstrating both clinical expertise and command ability.

Her assignments have included positions such as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer with the 393rd Medical Logistics Company, Company Commander for the 518th Regimental Battalion, and Officer in Charge of the Patient Administration Division and Medical Operations Office. She also served as Operations Officer (S2/S3) with the 439th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, overseeing key operational responsibilities within the Army’s medical support structure.

These assignments reflect the Army’s trust in her leadership and ability to manage complex medical and logistical operations in support of soldiers and missions worldwide.

Deployment to Kuwait

Major Perez also served overseas during a deployment to Kuwait from 2023 to 2025, where she worked with the 34th Field Hospital as Patient Administration Division Officer in Charge and Medical Regulation Officer.

In that role, she was responsible for coordinating the flow of patients through military medical systems, ensuring that service members received the appropriate care and evacuation support when necessary. Her work earned her a nomination for the Lieutenant Colonel Hatkoff CENTCOM Award, recognizing excellence in medical administration and operational leadership. During her deployment, Perez also played a role in morale and spiritual support initiatives for soldiers stationed in the region. She launched the first faith-based “T-Wall” and organized the annual “Running on Faith” Spiritual Fitness 5K, programs designed to support the mental and spiritual resilience of service members serving overseas.

Continuing Service and Education

Major Perez is currently assigned to the 78th Training Division at Fort Dix, where she serves as a Medical Exercise Planner and Officer Candidate Training (OCT) officer, helping prepare the next generation of military leaders.

Her dedication to service extends beyond the military. She is also pursuing graduate studies and is expected to graduate in May 2026 with a Master of Divinity from Liberty University. In addition, she is an ordained minister, reflecting her commitment to faith-based service and leadership. Earlier in her career, Perez was recognized for her physical fitness and leadership as well. She earned recognition as Army Combatives Champion and the first female Bantamweight champion at Fort Dix in 2012, and she led her unit to the number-one ranking in the division among 73 companies, a personal achievement she considers one of the most meaningful milestones in her career.

A Moment of Pride for Harrison

Holding the ceremony in Harrison Town Hall carried special meaning for Major Perez. The community where she grew up and began her American journey served as the backdrop for the recognition of her service to the nation.

The ceremony served not only as a celebration of her promotion but also as a reminder of the contributions that immigrants and local residents alike continue to make to the United States Armed Forces.

Today, Major Perez resides in Belleville, New Jersey, with her husband, Alejandro, and their pit bull, Drako.

While her military résumé reflects years of dedication and achievement, Perez has consistently credited her success to the support of family, faith, and perseverance. As she has often noted, the accomplishments of her career were made possible through determination, sacrifice, and the support of those around her.

Her promotion to Major in the United States Army stands as both a personal milestone and a moment of pride for the Harrison community that helped shape her journey.

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