Retired Army Col. Larry Perino, a distinguished military veteran with embedded roots in Globe, is returning home for a special Fourth of July celebration from July 3 to July 7, 2024. The City of Globe, Globe High School Class of 1986, and Globe High School Alumni Association proudly announce events honoring Perino's exceptional service and contributions to his country.
Perino, a native of Globe, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, in 1990 and was commissioned as an infantry officer. His illustrious military career spans decades, during which he held key positions within multinational, joint, conventional, training, and special operations commands.
With operational assignments at all levels, from tactical to strategic, Col. Perino's experiences range from infantry to special operations. Notably, he spent over seven years as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, serving overseas in Korea and deploying to Somalia in 1993 as part of Task Force Ranger in support of Operation Gothic Serpent, an experience immortalized in the book/movie "Black Hawk Down." Perino displayed extraordinary bravery during that harrowing mission, earning him the prestigious Silver Star, the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, for his actions during that intense firefight that took the lives of 8 Rangers and left more than 70 wounded.
Throughout his career, Perino served in various command and staff assignments, including operations officer of a Stryker Infantry Battalion in Iraq, special operations planner at U.S. Northern Command, 6th Ranger Training Battalion commander, and director of force management at ISAF Joint Command in Afghanistan.
Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Bronze Star with "V" device for Valor, Legion of Merit, Combat Infantryman's Badge (with Star), Master Parachutist Badge, Freefall Badge, and Ranger Tab. In 1993, he was honored with the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.
Col. Perino retired from active duty in January 2015 after nearly 25 years of service and currently resides with his wife, Leslie, in Gulf Breeze, Florida. In 2014 he was inducted into the Globe High School Hall of Fame.
The celebration in Globe will begin with Col. Perino taking a cruise through the city, followed by a recognition ceremony at the CVCA Bandstand during the First Friday event on July 5 at 6 p.m. Mayor Al Gameros will officially proclaim July 5 as "Colonel Larry Perino Day” and present Perino with the key to the city. After the recognition ceremony, there will be a family and friends get-together at Silver Tap 928, where everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate.
Events will also take place in Miami to celebrate this hometown hero.
For further information on the Fourth of July celebration celebrating Retired Army Col. Larry Perino’s homecoming, please contact Regina Ortega (Globe Event Coordinator) at 808-373-0032, Yvonne Avalos (Globe Event Coordinator) at 818-860-6650, or Jess Bryant (Miami Event Coordinator) at 928-200-6348.
Join us as we pay tribute to Retired Army Col. Larry Perino's remarkable achievements and dedicated service, a true source of pride for Globe-Miami.
