Hansel Perez: From 9/11 to the USMC, Iraq MSR Patrols & Miami Military Trucks

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Hansel Perez—a United States Marine Corps veteran whose call to serve was sparked by September 11. Trained as an 0352 Anti-Tank Missileman (later a machine gunner on a Mobile Assault Platoon), Hansel deployed to the Fallujah–Ramadi corridor, running MSR (Main Supply Route) security, route reconnaissance, and convoy escort. After a combat injury and medical retirement (2009), he used the GI Bill to build an Information Systems career, helped launch SVA and a Veteran Alumni Chapter at FIU, and co-founded Miami Military Trucks to preserve rolling history and mentor the next generation.🌟 Topics Covered🧭 9/11 as the catalyst to enlist in the USMC🎯 MOS 0352 Anti-Tank Missileman → Machine gunner, Mobile Assault Platoon🚧 Fallujah–Ramadi: MSR security, route recon, convoy escort—“highway patrol” in a combat zone💥 Training, teamwork, and staying alive under pressure🩹 Injury, medical retirement (2009), and rebuilding with the GI Bill🎓 From uniform to campus: starting SVA and a Veteran Alumni Chapter at FIU🚚 Miami Military Trucks: Humvees, parades, Touch-a-Truck, and community outreach🛡️ Show-and-tell: flak vest with Level III plates & Kevlar helmet—what they’re built to stop💡 Advice for young people: faith, family, service—and be the change in your communityThis is more than a war story—it’s about purpose, recovery, and turning history into living outreach.If you enjoy real stories of history, service, and mentorship, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!