Carrie Perez, MBA

I know that there are countless blogs on the internet and Active Rain today about September 11^th, 2001. I still feel the need to post something today in regards to that day.

I live far from ground zero. I was on leave from the MI Air National Guard, up in Marquette, MI visiting my little sister at college on the day that it happened. I remember getting chills immediately when I saw the first plane crash...I knew it was no accident right then and there.

I pray for all of the families who are still hurting and healing from their losses directly related to the tragic day and its events seven years ago today. It is not fair for anyone to have suffered in the way that they did. I cannot imagine how hard it still must be to be missing loved ones and hurting or having a child who never got to know their mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandfather or grandmother.

Thank you to the public servants-Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMT workers and Hospital workers who did their best and saved as many as they could. There were also countless numbers of civilians who simply had to help without thinking twice. And, of course, thank you to all of my fellow military veterans and those who are still serving who helped to pick up the pieces-many of whom are far from home keeping us all safe. I cannot imagine what state our country would be in if we did not have our public servants-whether local public servants, military, or civilian doing what they can, taking the responsibility to do something so meaningful for the greater good.

In remembrance of all of those who sacrificed so much, let's forget the politics today.

As a Northern Michigan Native, I understand what draws people to the area. With great people, a strong sense of community and four seasons, the Grand Traverse and Antrim County Region offers small town atmosphere, with endless outdoor activities year-round. Beauty surrounds you wherever you turn. This is a wonderful place to be.

Serving the Elk Rapids, Alden, Kewadin, Torch Lake, Chain of Lakes, Bellaire, Central Lake, Eastport, Alden areas also within Antrim, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties in Beautiful Northwestern Lower Michigan.

Thinking about buying or selling lakefront property on the Chain of Lakes, Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Central Lake, Clam Lake, Lake Michigan, Birch Lake or Lake Skegemog? Call me!

I joined the Air Force to work in the Finance and Accounting field in 1997. This brought me to Utah for four years and allowed me to see the world, but most importantly, improve my work ethic and communication skill while learning how to interact with people of various cultures and backgrounds. Upon honorable completion of my term, I returned to Michigan and joined the Michigan Air National Guard in 2001, where I honorably served most of that time on active duty. In 2004, I began working with the USDA Forest Service-also in the Finance and Accounting field for a 2 year term while continuing to serve part time in the Air National Guard. During my very demanding military career, I earned numerous medals and awards for my achievements and performance. I also managed earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Leadership in 2003. I also met my husband, who continues to serve in the Air Force after 14 years. After careful deliberation, I made a difficult decision not to pursue my commission as an officer in the Air National Guard, while my husband remained a part of the military so that we could pursue the dream of starting a family and living in northern Michigan. In 2005, I earned my MBA in Entrepreneurial Management from Davenport University. In 2006, a new chapter in my life began-my adventure in real estate and my love for working with the people of Northern Michigan and those who enjoy spending time here. After researching several real estate firms, I chose to work with Exit Realty of Elk Rapids.

My ability to achieve goals, evident background of hard work, integrity, service to others, and my love of NW Lower Michigan are assets to my abilities to serve you in buying or selling your home.