Cancer survivor’s wish to visit Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  On Dec. 22, 2005, Jordan Perry was diagnosed with Hodgkin's cancer.

His discovery began the morning he woke to find a small bump on the back of his neck.

Jordan, not thinking much of the bump, casually asked his father if he saw the knot. His dad saw it and scheduled Jordan for an appointment to get it checked out.


After a quick examination at the doctor's office, they found nothing and Jordan was told to come back in three to six weeks. During that time, Jordan started getting headaches and cold symptoms. He immediately returned to the doctor. And this time they took his symptoms seriously. Doctors performed several tests and diagnosed Jordan with cancer.

Realizing the severity of Jordan's situation, the Perry family said they went to the Lord in prayer and began the necessary steps to get their son cured.

After only four months of chemotherapy, Jordan Perry was labeled a "rapid responder." During those months of chemotherapy, the Perry family had many supporters, such as Orange Park High School, which provided a teacher for home-bound Jordan so he could maintain his 3.8 GPA.

Among the supporters was the Dreams Come True Foundation, a non-profit organization, devoted to making children with life-threatening illnesses dreams come true. Jordan, who qualified as a recipient, had the dream of visiting Ramstein Air Base, his birthplace. Jordan's dad, Lester Perry, a retired Army first sergeant, and his mother, Cynthia Perry, were stationed near Ramstein in the early 1990s. The Dreams Come True Foundation worked to make Jordan's dream a reality.

A tour of the base and its inner-workings was planned for Jordan − all he would have to do is sit back and enjoy the tour, organized by the 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office.

First stop was the 435th Security Forces Squadron dog compound where Jordan was greeted by Staff Sgt. Jonathon Beaver, military dog handler. Jordan watched intently as Sergeant Beaver performed several demonstrations of techniques commonly used by security forces.

The next stop was the 76th Airlift Squadron, where Lt. Col. Dan Baldessari, Capt. Taylor Johnston, and 1st Lt. Aaron Wallace prepared a tour of Ramstein's flightline in a Learjet for Jordan. Jordan received star treatment as he taxied the Ramstein runways.

Rounding out Jordan's tour was a visit to the 37th Airlift Squadron. Jordan's eyes grew wide as he realized his name was posted on the side of the C-130 he would tour. First Lt. JJ Wolf, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Sawchak and Senior Airman Victor Reynosa showed Jordan the ins and outs of the aircraft. When asked if his dream had been fulfilled Jordan said, "Yes! Everything was so interesting. It's much more technical than I thought."

Jordan's dad said his son's strong will and many supporters helped Jordan beat cancer and allows him to live out his dreams.