Col. Jeremy St. Laurent, commander, 597th Transportation Brigade, presented Orlando Perez with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award during a ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. July 28.
The Meritorious Civilian Service Award is the second highest award and medal provided to civilian employees within agencies of the federal government of the United States.
During his remarks, St. Laurent said that it is an absolute honor to present the award to a fellow paratrooper and thanked Perez for his contributions to the U.S. Army through a lifetime of service; first as a Sergeant Major and later as a Department of the Army civilian.
As the unit supply specialist, Perez played a major role in supplying the brigade with everything needed to keep the facilities working, fleet running and property accounted for.
"Every organization needs individuals that beat the pavement and are not afraid to get their hands dirty and roll up their sleeves and go to work. We are definitely going to miss him," Command Sgt. Major Lonnie Gabriel.
After Perez was pinned with the medal, the rapid supporters lined up to shake his hand and wish him good luck.
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