LIL Stories: Perris Thiele

Earlier this year, I did a project on the Women of Compass Call and I had the opportunity to talk to SSgt Thiele. Two things stuck out to me right away. One, I could tell she was an artist... and two, the way she lifted all the women up with her words and enthusiasm, really struck a chord with me. After every picture, she would look at the image and then say something incredibly kind and warm to them... it was AMAZING to watch. I knew when I started these interviews that she had to be one of them... but I didn't know how phenomenal of an artist she was until I started following her on Instagram... I was blown away!

Today, I captured her working on her current project... a critique of the military justice system's handling of sexual assault and harassment victims. Airmen are often forced to relive trauma during cases. They see their abuser in court, must repeat their experience time and time over, face defenses that aim to minimize and pick apart their experience, and deal with unique wounds when the perpetrator is an officer. The system that is meant to protect airmen often ends up re-traumatizing them. Victim advocates, special victims counsels, and support systems are a lifeline for these airmen, but we need to be doing more to support individuals who experience military sexual assault. The title of the project is “Article 32”.

Most of you know I love anything that has meaning and tries to make the world a better place. I could go on and on about Perris, but I'll let her do the rest of the talking. I present to you, SSgt Perris Thiele:

Tell me a little bit about who you are:

My name is Perris and I grew up in a sleepy little surfer town in San Diego, California. I am passionate about helping people and advocating for social programs.

What is your philosophy in life?

To live as much as possible! We only have one life, and I think we should chase every opportunity to enjoy ourselves as much as possible. A part of that is helping others to the maximum extent we are capable of. Why waste what little time we have on hate and judgment? We’re all just trying to claw out our little existence on this planet… so if you have the means to help others, why wouldn't you? Maybe it’s a bit hedonistic, but that awareness of our fragility makes me think we should indulge ourselves in love, kindness, and authenticity.

Why did you join the Air Force?

I joined the Air Force to get out of a bad situation. I witnessed a lot of terrorism during my time living in Europe. My rationale at the time was that the people committing these acts were indiscriminate about whom they were harming… and I wanted to be a part of working against that hate and anger, and help the people caught in the middle.

What is something that has challenged you… and how did you get through it?

While in South Korea, I was abducted at the airport and almost sold into sex trafficking. Luckily, I was able to get away after some time. OSI was able to identify what was going on based on my testimony and pulling cell tower pings from a burner phone I had hidden on me at the time. Thanks to OSI, and understanding leadership, I was able to get help from Mental Health and the SAPR office. I really struggled with PTSD for a bit but with the resources that the Air Force offered me, along with unwavering support and kindness from my partner and friends, I’ve made a full recovery.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m most proud of the confidence my career has given me. I’ve had the opportunity to work in management positions, organize large-scale events, and work on high-priority/high-visibility tasks. I’ve had to learn confrontation skills, as well as conflict resolution ones. I’ve been put in positions where my words and knowledge matter. I’ve led teams that have had work reach the President's desk and be briefed at high-level conferences. This has given me a level of confidence and self-assurance that I never had before. It’s been a huge area of growth for me.

What is one piece of advice you have for younger Airmen?

Don’t let Service Before Self become a sacrifice of self. It’s easy to get discouraged when you give your all to the Air Force and don’t get that BTZ or that promotion statement. Keep sight of yourself and who you are outside of the Air Force. While it’s amazing to be a part of this organization… remember that you are a human being as well. There will be hardships, disappointments, and losses in your career… never lose sight of yourself and make self-development an individual priority.

Who is your hero and why?

I don’t have one! I have people whose qualities I admire but I avoid making them into heroes because I think it robs them of the space to be human and make mistakes. I think every single person has a quality or aspect that I admire about them!

What’s one book recommendation you have for people out there?

This is going to throw a few people but… I’m currently reading a banned French book titled, “I Hate Men”. It’s a critique of violence against women, sexism, feminism, and the patriarchy. It offers both men and women an interesting perspective on why some women are cautious of men based on negative past experiences… and how we can change it by reducing violence against women around the world.

I absolutely love your art. Have you always considered yourself a creative? What is your favorite project so far?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, so I should probably be better than I currently am. I like to dip my fingers in anything where I can create: photography, painting, sculpture, illustration, or drawing on my walls. I’m currently working on a series of oil paintings that are a critique of sexual violence and harassment of women in the armed forces by fellow service members. It’s called “Martyr for the Millstone” and will hopefully be done in December!

What is something you want to accomplish in the next year?

I’ll actually be starting my BSN this year and leaving military service… so I’m excited and nervous to be entering the civilian world and health care service!