CT leader presents veteran with Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit Retirement Award

Rep. John B Larson, D-1, presented both the Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit Retirement Award to Bristol veteran Patrick Nelligan, according to the lawmaker, recognizing his 42 years of service.

“Officer Nelligan has led a life of service, both to our nation in the U.S. Army and to his community in Bristol,” said Larson. “The Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit Award are a reflection of his character, commitment, and sacrifice. Officer Nelligan served our country with honor in Honduras, Guatemala, and Kuwait, and led with humility in Pinellas Park, Florida, where he grew the Warrant Officer Strength Program for the Army Reserves.

“Back home in Bristol, I have seen firsthand his commitment to his fellow veterans – founding the Bristol Veterans Strong Community Center, serving on my Veterans Advisory Council, and establishing a non-profit aimed at reducing veteran suicide,” he said, in a statement. “It is truly an honor to present these two well-deserved distinctions to Officer Nelligan today, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his civilian capacity.”

“I am honored to have the Congressman award my final two military medals that culminate my over 42 years of military service,” said Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Patrick Nelligan, in a statement. “I first met the Congressman while I was deployed overseas in January 2002, and he was visiting my base. It was so cool to see him wearing a UConn shirt and then spend some time talking with me before he had to attend briefings.

“Through the years, I have been a part of his Veterans Advisory Committee, and when I had an issue getting my first Legion of Merit award processed, I only had to ask for assistance from his office, and it was quickly resolved. To recognize this support, I thought it fitting to have Congressman Larson pin that first Legion of Merit and share in my day. Now, 15 years later, I wanted to share this moment again with him and put closure on my military service by having him pin both my third Meritorious Service Medal and my Third Legion of Merit.”

According to a statement, “Nelligan served in Honduras and Guatemala and was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Kuwait in 2002. His forty-two years of distinguished service culminated in his time as Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) for the Army Reserve Medical Command in Pinellas Park, Florida.”