ARTICLE
This month, we continue our Veteran Spotlight Initiative, gaining a deeper appreciation for the incredible veterans in our community. Their stories of service, resilience, and transition inspire us, and we are honored to share them with you. After nearly 24 years as an Infantryman, CSM (Ret.) Josh Perkins retired in December and now serves as Director of Facilities at Corvias on Fort Riley, leading a team of 74. His journey from aspiring Airborne Ranger to respected leader reflects resilience and dedication. Originally from Ohio, Perkins worked in his family’s construction business before enlisting at 21, seeking greater purpose. Despite an injury in airborne school, he committed to military service, valuing the principals that the Army enforced and the camaraderie that being a Soldier innately provided. Stationed twice at Fort Riley—first as a First Sergeant, later as a Command Sergeant Major—he chose to retire here to provide his children with stability in their schooling and sports. His smooth transition to civilian life stems from leveraging military training, mentorship, and coaching. Remaining within the Fort Riley footprint eased the shift, though adjusting leadership styles in a civilian setting presented challenges that demand consistent and innovative approaches. Perkins advises all transitioning service members to take advantage of the many resources that the installation and Junction City provides. Perkins would also ask all transitioning service members to always know that they are not alone when they transition into the civilian sector. His final words of wisdom: “Take advantage of every program, training, and mentoring opportunity. Step back, reassess, and prioritize what’s needed now and for the future.” Josh Perkins’ story exemplifies adaptability and service, inspiring those transitioning from military to civilian life.
This month, we continue our Veteran Spotlight Initiative, gaining a deeper appreciation for the incredible veterans in our community. Their stories of service, resilience, and transition inspire us, and we are honored to share them with you.
After nearly 24 years as an Infantryman, CSM (Ret.) Josh Perkins retired in December and now serves as Director of Facilities at Corvias on Fort Riley, leading a team of 74. His journey from aspiring Airborne Ranger to respected leader reflects resilience and dedication.
Originally from Ohio, Perkins worked in his family’s construction business before enlisting at 21, seeking greater purpose. Despite an injury in airborne school, he committed to military service, valuing the principals that the Army enforced and the camaraderie that being a Soldier innately provided. Stationed twice at Fort Riley—first as a First Sergeant, later as a Command Sergeant Major—he chose to retire here to provide his children with stability in their schooling and sports.
His smooth transition to civilian life stems from leveraging military training, mentorship, and coaching. Remaining within the Fort Riley footprint eased the shift, though adjusting leadership styles in a civilian setting presented challenges that demand consistent and innovative approaches.
Perkins advises all transitioning service members to take advantage of the many resources that the installation and Junction City provides. Perkins would also ask all transitioning service members to always know that they are not alone when they transition into the civilian sector. His final words of wisdom: “Take advantage of every program, training, and mentoring opportunity. Step back, reassess, and prioritize what’s needed now and for the future.”
Josh Perkins’ story exemplifies adaptability and service, inspiring those transitioning from military to civilian life.