Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 3-17-17

Feature
12 Years Later, A Conversation With All Sports Youth Pays Off
Stanley Gray, left, and Tyrone Keys, right, were in Washington, D. C. last Friday with Major Gilberto Perez.
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Twelve years after a Tampa man was invited to speak to a group of youth, the gentleman now sees the ‘fruits of his labor.’
Stanley Gray was asked by Tyrone Keys, founder of
All Sports Community Service (ASCS), to speak to the group of youth about the Service Academies. He noticed that one of the youths showed in- terest in his talk. The young man, Gilbert Perez, went on to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). He gradu- ated with honors and went on
Former President Barack Obama, right, with Gilbert Perez, left.
to become the captain of their football team in 2007.
All Sports Community Service was founded by Keys in 1993.
Last Friday, March 10, 2017, Perez was promoted to Major and given Oak Leafs that have a history from World
War II. “I was proud and priv- ileged to be invited to the cer- emony and to claim him and his family as my family,” Gray said.
“This past Friday was yet another example of how one of Tampa's youth have gone forth and done great things. It also shows how All Sport helps to give options to our so deserv- ing youth.
“This story is not yet over, so keep your ears and eyes open to hear and see about his accomplishments and achieve- ments,” he concluded.
Major Perez, Deputy Chief, Information Systems, White House Communications Agency, continues to give back to his community. Because of the assistance his mother, Flora Cooley, a nurse, re- ceived as a single parent, he gives a $500 grant to a teacher and $500 to a youth coach who have gone beyond the call of duty, Keys said.
“We have known Gilbert since high school and we’re so proud of his achievements,”
Mr. and Mrs. Keys stated. “His is a true American hero story. He’s letting other people see that it’s possible with other options.
“His grandfather came to America from Cuba as an im- migrant and only had a third grade education, yet instilled in Gilbert the love of educa- tion. He graduated from the Air Force Academy with top honors.”
According to Keys, there were numerous Generals, mil- itary servicemen, family mem- bers, mentors and friends there to celebrate with him and his wife, Angeline and their two daughters.
Major Perez used the All Sports motto, "Root to the Fruit" in his ‘Thank You’ mes- sage.
Gilbert and his brother, Sergio Perez established the PEREZ Brothers Scholarship Program under the umbrellas of ASCS 11 years ago the day after graduation, for 1st gener- ational college-bound athletes at Leto High School.
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017