Receives Legion Of Merit Medal
By LTC Charles W. Cosenza, DDCO, Region II

On November 4, 2007 COL Gerard A. McEnerney, Chief Regional Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (REPLO) for FEMA Region II, United States Army North (Fifth Army) retired from the United States Army Reserves and was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal (LOM). The LOM was presented to COL McEnerney by COL Robert Freehill, Region II Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) who served as the presiding official for the ceremony. The LOM is the sixth highest possible award in order of precedence for U.S. military decorations. The retirement ceremony was conducted at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York. The LOM was awarded to help recognize COL McEnerney for his outstanding military service, superb leadership, outstanding communications skills, and extraordinary operational skills that included over 35 years service to our nation. COL McEnerney was recognized for his exceptionally superior service as Chief REPLO, FEMA Region II, United States Army North (Fifth Army), from 12 NOV 1997 to 11 NOV 2007. During this period, the outstanding leadership and ceaseless efforts of COL McEnerney resulted in immeasurable contributions to the current emergency preparedness posture of the United States Army North and its ability to provide Military Support to Civil Authorities. COL McEnerney was the first REPLO to respond in Region II after the 9/11 World Trade Center Terrorist attack. COL McEnerney also received an award from Mr. Gerard McCarty, General Manager, and Emergency Management for Port Authority of NY/NJ in recognition of COL McEnerney's 10+ plus years of support to the Port Authority of NY/NJ and for his untiring efforts and significant contributions to the emergency management community. Family, wife Maureen, and children, Justine, Jeanne Marie, Matthew, friends and distinguished guests to include BG Mott (Ret) former Deputy Chief of the USAR were present at the ceremony to help recognize COL McEnerney for his accomplishments and to share in this event.