About the Author
John E. Suraj Persad
The author is of East Indian Descent, born in England to Jamaican and Guyanese Indian parents. His father served in the RAF during WW2, and his mother trained as a nurse and teacher. John has a diverse background and was educated in the British and American systems. His education includes the Cambridge University Overseas Examinations, a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Management (BSTM), a post-bachelor certification as a Paralegal, a Master’s in International Policy and Practice (MIPP) from The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, and numerous US Army schools. His academic tracks heavily concentrate on Transnational Security, Strategic Leadership, Aviation, and International Policy.
John is a former Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Army Aviation Corps, a graduate of the US Army Warrant Officer Career College, US Army Aviation Flight Academy, US Army Intelligence School, US Army Combat Readiness Center, and holds Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications as a Flight Engineer (FE), Commercial Pilot (CP), and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). He is dual-rated as an aviator in Helicopters and Airplanes and held career positions as an Aviation Safety Officer, Intelligence FW Pilot, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Flight Operations Officer in worldwide postings.
After leaving the military, John continued his career with UPS Airlines as a commercial cargo pilot, flying the DC8, B757, and B767-300ER platforms internationally. During his civilian aviation career, he volunteered for training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to be a Deputized Federal Aviation Law Enforcement Officer assigned under the Department of Homeland Security. John is a disabled American veteran who is now retired and extremely thankful and proud of his service to the United States Army.
John continues service today as an author, security and leadership consultant, volunteers as a LE training advisor, and advises several foreign clients on strategic leadership, corporate security, and risk management. John is a member of the Rotary Club and the Military Officers Association of America, where he and his wife assist veterans in various capacities.
John brings a wealth of knowledge to bear and is able to offer a unique cultural perspective on issues of importance to this nation.