(Story and photos by Julie Carasone)
Margaret Peri says it was an honor to be nominated and to receive such a prestigious award for “Veteran of the Month” for the NY 27th Congressional District.
Peri was presented with the award on Friday morning at the Genesee County Department of Social Services, along with an American flag that was flown at the US Capitol.
Peri served in the US Army from July of 1975 through September of 1978 as a Chapel Activity Specialist.
For her work serving the people at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she received an Army Accommodation Medal. “That’s how I got into social work. I worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital and went on the wards talking with people,” says Peri.
“I just got involved with people and was drawn to social work. As a veteran, I really enjoyed my job and gave my heart to it”.
Peri also worked for Genesee County Social Services for 38 years, until her retirement in 2019. She hasn’t slowed down. Peri currently volunteers at her church distributing food, and at City Church in Batavia along with Eight Days of Hope in Buffalo, to assist those in underserved populations.
Congressman Chris Jacobs was on hand to present the award to Margaret Peri.
“Margaret not only exemplifies values of our military that is sworn to uphold, but also is an exemplary member of our community. She has continuously gone above and beyond the call of duty to help those around her, here in our country and in foreign lands. Given her military career, extensive involvement in her community and her tireless work to assist the most vulnerable in our community, Margaret more than exceeds the qualifications and recognition as NY 27 Congressional District January 2021, Veteran of the Month Award.”
Peri was also presented with another special award from William Joyce, a 40 year Army Veteran, a challenge coin.
A challenge coin is presented by a senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) or Officer, and is given to a soldier for outstanding service or achievement. Joyce also presented Peri with an ethos dog tag. One side shows the Warrior Ethos and the other side the Army Values.
In her acceptance speech, Peri expressed her love for her family and how proud she is of her family. Her brother, Leonard “Lenny” Peri, was also a veteran and served in Vietnam, he passed away at the end of December.
“On December 27th, my brother Lenny Peri, started a new journey for himself. He was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a patriot and he was proud of his service, and when his health allowed him, he volunteered at the VFW in Geneseo. I truly mean this when I say it, I am sharing this honor with him, ” said Peri.