U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Javier Perez Cosme is recognized at the Ralph Puckett Soldier of the Week program for his 22 years of service to the Nation.
COLUMBUS, GA – The Columbus Rotary Club held its weekly recognition program on November 10 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.
The weekly event is on its 20th year. It started out as the Soldier of the Week, but it was recently renamed Ralph Puckett Soldier of the Week program in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Col. (RET) Ralph Puckett. He is a longtime member of the club and a great contributor on the Rotary programs in our community.
Perez, WHINSEC’s Center for Human Rights and Democracy NCO in Charge, serves as Human Rights and Democracy instructor and overseer of all Human Rights training conducted at the Institute.
Originally from Cataño, Puerto Rico, Perez joined the Army in 1998, and became an Army Mechanic. His career expands as Maintenance Supervisor NCO to include Battalion Maintenance Control Sergeant in an Infantry Battalion, Maintenance Motor Sergeant at a Chemical and Combat Forward Battalion, Special Operations (SPO) Maintenance NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant and Small Group Leader, Observer Controller, US Army Retention NCO.
During his 22 years of service, Perez has had five combat deployments, one in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, four in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and two Theater stabilization one-year tours to the Republic of South Korea.
As part of the recognition ceremony he was presented with a book, “Words for Warriors, A Professional Soldier’s Notebook,” authored and autographed by MoH recipient Col. (RET) Ralph Puckett.
“It was an honor to be in company of such a distinguished group of individuals. Met Lt. Gen. (RET) Sam Wetzel, honorary Colonel of the 31st Infantry Regiment who presented me with a Regimental coin. In addition to Col. Puckett’s book, the Columbus Rotary Club presented me a Rotary International coin and a recognition certificate,” said Perez.
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