John Suraj Persad: A Renaissance Man of Modern Times

John Suraj Persad’s life is a remarkable journey of diverse accomplishments, woven together by an unrelenting drive for excellence, a passion for learning, and a deep commitment to patriotism. Honor, service, and integrity are the pillars he bases his life upon. His career spans an extraordinary range of fields—military and commercial aviation, law enforcement, education, business, and writing—each chapter marked by innovation, leadership, and a dedication to making a meaningful impact. Persad’s story is not just one of professional success but also of personal growth and proof that the American dream is alive and well. His diverse cultural socialization in both the Caribbean and South America, along with proximal separation from his primary cultural heritage of India, gives cogency to the unorthodox arguments presented in his books referencing the African American political sabotage in America and attributing many of the social breakdowns and subjugation of this culture's heritage to the great disconnect. He propounds that the African American society is desperately seeking to define itself culturally. He reasons that a culture alien to its roots, with hardly any transference of values, traditions, language, and heritage, to include physical separation from their motherland under austere conditions and existing for years in an inhospitable climate, will be in a state of permanent flux and easily manipulated if leaders and mentors stress assimilation vs. integration, as they have. References are drawn between displaced Africans and Asians in the Caribbean, South America, and elsewhere.(Persad, J. E. S. (2024). Oh Say Can You See “Destroying the Homeland”: The Fall of America: How Did We Get Here? (John Suraj Persad, Ed.; Second, Chap. 7). https://persadbooks.com)

Born in London, England, to parents of Guyanese and Jamaican East Indian heritage, Persad’s early years were shaped by a blend of cultural richness and disciplined conservative values. His father, a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Air Force, instilled in him a sense of duty and honor, while his mother, an educator, emphasized the value of God, family, education, and structure. His family settled in St. Mary, Jamaica, where his paternal grandfather (Papa), a former Brahmin priest, missionary, and active preacher/deacon in the Anglican church at Belfield, was also a major proponent in representing indentured Indian workers brought to the island by the British. Persad’s grandfather was also instrumental in the development of orphanages to address the host of biracial children abandoned by foreigners when they returned to their overseas homes. Later on, Persad was the recipient of a government scholarship and attended Clarendon College in Chapelton, where he excelled in the rigorous Cambridge University “O” level examinations, laying the groundwork for his future academic and professional pursuits. Unfortunately, his early experiences were far from comfortable, due to family illnesses creating many economic and housing misfortunes throughout his early development and school years, forcing him to cancel his childhood phase.
In 1984, on his way back to the UK, Persad relocated to the United States, where his journey of service and achievement truly began to unfold. After receiving his approval to stay and work, he immediately found employment with Crestmont Federal Bank in Maplewood, NJ, as a bank reconciliation officer, and after a short stint, made the jump to military service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985 as a combat medic, a role that marked the start of his lifelong dedication to serving his adopted nation. After a brief hiatus to pursue higher education and becoming a United States citizen, he returned to the military, joining the U.S. Army Aviation Corps as a Warrant Officer One in 1991. Over the years, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW03), specializing in flight operations, intelligence operations, electronic warfare, and aviation safety/accident investigations.
Persad’s military career was defined by his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure environments. He served in numerous global deployments, where he played a critical role in developing protocols for flight operations, aviation safety, and accident investigations. His expertise extended to threat analysis in Saudi Arabia and coordination with U.S. Army and NATO flight operations in Europe and Türkiye. As a dual-rated aviator in both helicopters and airplanes, Persad became a trusted advisor to military leadership, offering strategic insights into operations, electronic warfare, and threat mitigation.
After leaving active military service in 2001, he continued in the Army Reserve and seamlessly transitioned to civilian aviation, joining UPS Airlines as a commercial international pilot. Over the next 16 years, he demonstrated exceptional versatility, mastering a wide range of aircraft, including the DC-8, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767-300ER. His FAA Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), dual-rated commercial certification, and Flight Engineer (FE) Jet certification were testaments to his technical prowess and adaptability.
Persad’s commitment to national security remained steadfast even in the civilian sector. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, he volunteered as a Federal Aviation Law Enforcement Officer with the Air Marshal Service and the Department of Homeland Security. His expertise in aviation and security also led him to consult for various organizations, advising on safety, operations, and risk management. Additionally, he mentored aspiring civilian candidates to become military officers, helping them navigate their entry with the same dedication and discipline that defined his own.
Persad’s success across multiple domains is rooted in his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He earned a Bachelor of Technical Management from Denver Technical College in 1989, followed by a post-baccalaureate diploma in Paralegal Studies from the Paralegal Law Institute in 1990. His advanced military training with the Army, FEMA, and Homeland Security further honed his expertise. In 2021, Persad achieved a Master’s Degree in International Policy and Practice (MIPP) from the esteemed George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, solidifying his credentials as a strategic leader, crisis manager, and advisor.
As an author, Persad has emerged as a thought leader on issues of national security, geopolitics, and leadership. His books, Oh Say Can You See "America" and Oh Say Can You See "Destroying the Homeland," offer incisive analyses of the challenges facing the United States. Through his writing, Persad provides a unique perspective on societal issues, leadership, and the geopolitical dynamics that shape global stability, which, incidentally, are being addressed by our new administration.
His ability to distill complex ideas into accessible narratives underscores his intellectual versatility. Even in retirement, Persad remains deeply committed to service. He continues to share his expertise as a consultant in risk management, leadership, and security. His involvement in organizations like the Rotary Club and the Military Officers Association of America reflects his dedication to giving back to the community. Persad is particularly passionate about supporting military veterans, leveraging his experience to help those in need, and supporting local law enforcement.
Persad’s personal life is equally fulfilling. He shares his journey with his wife, CDR. Gerarda W. Persad, a former U.S. Army soldier (USPHS. Ret.) and clinical social worker. Together, they have raised two accomplished sons and enjoy the company of five grandchildren. Splitting his time between North Carolina, Florida, and Europe, Persad dedicates his days to writing, consulting, and philanthropic endeavors.
John Suraj Persad’s life is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and excellence. From his early days in Jamaica to his distinguished military career, from the cockpit of commercial aircraft to the pages of his thought-provoking books, Persad has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to excel in diverse fields. His story is a powerful reminder that true mastery lies not in limiting oneself to a single domain but in embracing the endless possibilities that come with a commitment to growth, service, and leadership.
As a strategist, mentor, and author, Persad continues to inspire and influence, proving that the pursuit of knowledge and the dedication to applying it for the greater good can create a legacy that transcends boundaries. His life is a testament to the power of curiosity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. He firmly believes that regardless of one's background, race, complexion, sex, or creed, the possibilities are as endless as one’s desire to achieve greatness.