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, the Globe High School Class of 1986, and the Globe High School Alumni Association proudly announce events honoring Col. Perino's exceptional service and contributions to his country.

Col. (Ret.) Larry Perino, a native of Globe, Arizona, was born in Miami in 1968. He graduated from Globe High School in 1986 and made history as the first graduate from his school to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. Upon his graduation in 1990, he was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, marking the beginning of his illustrious military career. While at West Point, he was a member of the rugby team for three years, playing in the collegiate finals his senior (“Firstie”) year.

During his career, Perino held critical positions in multi-national, joint, conventional, training, and special operations commands. His experiences range from conventional to special operations, with operational assignments at all levels, from tactical to strategic. He served over five different tours in hostile fire areas.

He spent the formative years of his career in both conventional infantry and special operations units, serving overseas in Korea and over seven years as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. In 1993, while serving with the Ranger Regiment as a platoon leader, he deployed to Somalia as part of Task Force Ranger. His unit’s actions during this deployment were heroically depicted in the book/movie "Black Hawk Down."

As a field grade officer, Perino demonstrated his leadership prowess in numerous command and staff assignments. These included serving as the Operations Officer of a Stryker Infantry Battalion in Iraq, Special Operations Planner at U.S. Northern Command, 6th Ranger Training Battalion Commander, Director of Force Management at ISAF Joint Command in Afghanistan, and a Strategy/Leadership instructor at the Air War College.

Perino’s career is marked by numerous overseas and hostile fire area deployments. His exceptional service has been recognized with prestigious awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, 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.

In 2014, Perino was inducted into the Globe High School Hall of Fame.

Colonel (Ret.) Perino retired from active duty in January 2015 after an illustrious career spanning almost 25 years. He currently resides with his wife, Leslie, in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Since retiring from the Army, he has continued his service to the military community in a different capacity. He currently serves as the assistant vice president for commercial and small business for Navy Federal Credit Union. In this role, he focuses on providing financial services to small business owners who qualify for Navy Federal’s field of membership, which includes active duty, veterans, and Department of Defense members and families for all services.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Business Administration degree from American Military University, and a Master of Arts degree in strategic studies from the Air War College. He is a certified National Credit Union Compliance Officer and a certified Project Management Professional.

The celebration in Globe will begin during the July 5 First Friday event with Perino taking a cruise through the city; the cruise will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Globe Active Adult Center. Next, at 6 p.m., a recognition ceremony will be held at the CVCA Bandstand. Mayor Al Gameros will officially proclaim July 5 as "Colonel Larry Perino Day.” Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton will be in attendance to present Col. Perino with the key to the city for Mayor Gameros. 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 Col. Larry Perino’s homecoming, please contact Globe Event Coordinators Yvonne Avalos, 818-860-6650, or Regina Ortega, 808-373-0032, or Miami Event Coordinator Jess Bryant, 928-200-6348.

Join us as we pay tribute to Col. Larry Perino's remarkable achievements and dedicated service, a true source of pride for Globe-Miami.