ROCK ISLAND, Ill.- An officer now assigned to the U.S. Army Sustainment Command headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal received the French National Defense Medal (Gold) as part of a ceremony June 18 at the French embassy in Washington, D.C.
Col. John Romero, who now serves as the inspector general for ASC, was awarded this prestigious medal. Family members present were his wife, Maria, and their son, John Jr.
The medal is awarded on three different levels -- bronze, silver and gold. Normally, silver and gold awards are presented to French individuals who have served in the French military for several years, while bronze recipients must serve France for several months. It can be awarded to both military and civilian personnel who have served honorably for their participation in French operations.
It is considered a rare event for U.S. servicemembers to be acknowledged by a foreign nation with an award. Normally these honors are reserved for the highest ranking generals.
Romero, who has served more than 21 years in the Army, said that this award was different from previous medals because, instead of receiving it in the presence of his peers in his unit, he was recognized by an international audience.
French Defense attachAfA, Maj. Gen. Gratien Maire, hosted the ceremony that coincided with the 70th anniversary of Gen. Charles De Gaulle's address to his countrymen June 18, 1940 which acknowledged the Nazi German occupation of France while inspiring the will to continue the fight for freedom.
The ceremony also recognized U.S. personnel in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan.
Recognition was due to coalition work in Afghanistan while assigned to Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan as the Deputy CJ4 (Combined/Joint 4 Transformation).
Those duties included projects in which French, German and American trooops (with U.S. lead) developed and established the first Ministry of Defense (Afghanistan Army) Logistics School (Supply, Maintaince, Transportation, Class 1- Food) and the development of initial logistics military occupational skill codes and logistics personnel structure from the National level (National Depots), Operational level (Regional Logistics Centers), Tactical level (Logistic Support Battalions) for the Afghanistan Army.
For queries, contact the Army Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office at rock-amsas-pa@conus.army.mil or by phone at 309-782-5421.
For current ASC news, go to www.aschq.army.mil.
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