Fairchild Airman receives new stripes, new bride

Published Aug. 14, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- He sat in class Monday through Friday for many hours attending the Senior NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar receiving insight into some of today's top Air Force issues, a refresher in the principles of leadership, followership and discussions about some of the challenges he may face as he begins his new journey as a Senior NCO.

But Tech. Sgt. Kevin Perusich, 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 13 production supervisor, was about to receive more than a 'roof top' on his uniform.

After being released from class early Friday afternoon, Perusich took another huge step in his life. With the Senior NCO Induction ceremony less than four hours away, Perusich and Andrea O'Brien-Perusich, his fiancé since November 2010, decided to "tie the knot" before the ceremony kicked off.

"The legal marriage fell on July 27, which was the same day of the induction," said Perusich as he chuckled lightly. "We chose that day being that we'd already be dressed properly and it would make it easier, yet just as special to go a step further in the enlisted ranks as well in my personal life."

The couple was slated to meet the judge at the courthouse in downtown Spokane July 27 at 4 p.m. to be married, yet also had to be present at the Armed Forces Reserve Center by 5:15 p.m. to participate in the ceremony.

Perusich said they were originally supposed to get married at 5 p.m. but the time of the induction was changed to 5:15 p.m. That's when the couple became proactive.

"The wedlock was originally set for 5 p.m. at the courthouse the day of the ceremony," said O'Brien-Perusich. "Two days before, we found out that he had to be on base by 5:15 p.m. I was bound and determined to make this work, so I called up a personal friend who happens to be a high profile superior judge and she was happy to fit us in the day of the ceremony at the time we needed."

The couple said getting back on Fairchild didn't hold them back from attending the induction because the wedding ceremony only lasted 25 minutes, which left them approximately 45 minutes before the induction started.

Chief Master Sgt. Rudy Lopez, 92nd Air Refueling command chief, announced each inductee as they passed through an archway of swords, symbolizing their entry into the Senior NCO tier during the ceremony.

As the couple passed through, the command chief announced them as newlyweds, surprising them as they didn't know he had heard the news.

"I was blown away that we were given such a warm introduction as husband and wife and also by all of the congratulations we received," said O'Brien-Perusich. "It truly was a special evening and what a great way to be welcomed into the Air Force Family!"

When attending the week-long Senior NCO PE Seminar, every event is mandatory except the induction ceremony, which is highly recommended.

"Everything I do in my career, there's a reason for it," said Perusich. "The step to becoming a Senior NCO is an accomplishment many of us enlisted Airmen aim throughout our career. My wife knows how important it is to me and wanted to attend the induction just as much as I did. I appreciate her for her support and being there with me every step of the way."

The newlyweds will be hosting an actual wedding ceremony this September in the Dominican Republic.