Lt. Governor Brown Awarded Legion of Merit for Leadership of Army Reserves Unit
Brown hands over command of 153rd Legal Support Organization
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (May 23, 2011) – This past weekend, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, was awarded the Legion of Merit for his leadership of the 153rd Legal Support Organization. The award was presented to the Lt. Governor by Brigadier General Gil Beck, Commanding General of the United States Army Reserve Legal Command, during a Change of Command Ceremony where Lt. Governor Brown handed over command of the Army Reserves 153rd Legal Support Organization, Norristown, Pennsylvania, after successfully completing his three-year command tenure.
The Legion of Merit was established by Act of Congress in July, 1942. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
“It has truly been a privilege to lead the Soldiers of the 153rd Legal Support Organization, and this award reflects their outstanding service and achievements,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “I believe strongly in the value of service to one’s community, state, and country. Serving in the military has provided me the opportunity to give back to our great nation, and while I will no longer command a unit, I intend to continue my service as a member of the Army Reserves.”
The award recommendation states, “Colonel Brown assumed command during an extremely difficult transitional period as the 99th and 90th Regional Readiness Commands were restructured and the USAR Legal Command was established. With unwavering commitment to his Soldiers and their families, he successfully led the unit’s transformation in every aspect of command.”
The recommendation continues, “He introduced procedures and processes that were nonexistent prior to his tenure and that dramatically improved his unit’s personnel, logistical and operational readiness. As a tenacious and disciplined commander, Colonel Brown’s leadership has set the standard and established the 153rd Legal Support Organization as one of the best units in the Legal Command in providing timely and reliable legal support to Active, Guard, Reserve and Joint Forces during a high operational tempo, as well as in meeting and exceeding the critical readiness benchmarks set by United States Army Reserve Command.”
Lt. Governor Brown has been member of the Active and Reserve Components of the United States Army since 1984 and is the highest ranking elected official to have served a tour of duty in Iraq. He had served as Commander of the 153rd Legal Support Organization since January of 2008. Brown's previous awards include the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.
