Twitter
Facebook
A firefighter from the 886th Civil Engineer Squadron was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Dec. 18 at Fire Station One on Ramstein.
Staff Sgt. Robert Perricone was presented the medal by his squadron commander in front of his unit.
“Throughout the last two years, Staff Sergeant Perricone performed outstanding volunteer service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature to the United States and German community, which, in turn, served to enhance the overall American way of life,” wrote Lt. Col. Robert Grover, 886th CES commander, in his recommendation for Perricone to receive the award.
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is unique because it recognizes exceptional community support over a sustained period of time. In 24 months, the Mount Prospect, Ill., native volunteered 268 hours with various organizations, aiding a countless amount of service members and the local German community.
“My favorite thing about volunteering is just getting to help someone out,” Perricone said.
Perricone can be attributed to supporting families staying in the Fisher House, driving Airmen home safely with Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving, coordinating events for the Wounded Warrior Program, fundraising at the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses Club Welfare Bazaar and Freedom Fests, helping construct Haunted Tent City, walking 11 miles in firefighter gear in the 24-hour Viking Challenge, and bagging groceries for Operation Warmheart.
With all his contributions, Perricone not only made an impact on the community he served, but also in the community he serves with.
“(Perricone) has inspired many of the Airmen around him to participate and give back to the community. He teaches them the value of volunteering for what you believe in and being passionate about its cause,” said Master Sgt. Jason Higgins, 886th CES superintendent and Perricone’s supervisor. “He doesn’t just volunteer, he leads his people, instilling the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. He makes those that supervise him step it up by constantly being challenged to rise above his consistently high level of performance.”
