Fiorillo earns the Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Photo By Cheryl Moore | Staff Sgt. Vincent Fiorillo assesses the conditions of a new project site near the Marmal compound in Afghanistan. (Photo by Lt. Col. Juan Mejia)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

11.14.2018

Story by Cheryl Moore 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Afghanistan District

There is no better service to the mission of the United States Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A) than that of a Soldier.

Staff Sgt. Vincent V. Fiorillo displayed exceptional service to the U. S. Army, distinguishing himself with meritorious service as Detachment Non-commissioned Officer in charge of the USACE Project Office, Afghanistan District, Mazar-e-Sharif, located at Camp Marmal.

While deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support Mission, Staff Sgt. Fiorillo directly supported the planning and management of ten construction projects valued at more than $70 million. He also provided sustainment support and holistic facilities management to enable six USACE employees and one Local National to provide engineering support to Train Advise Assist Command-North (TAAC-N).

Staff Sgt. Vincent Fiorillo was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the NATO medal during an awards ceremony held at Bagram, prior to his re deployment to his family and friends. His certificate read in part, “The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sgt. Fiorillo reflect great credit upon himself, USFOR-A, the U. S. Army and the Department of Defense.” Signed Daniel B. Conley, BG, U. S. Marine Corps, Deputy Commander, U. S. National Support Element- Afghanistan.

Fiorillo’s selfless service was from December 4, 2017 through November 13, 2018. He contributed to the theater priorities of increasing capacity in the Afghanistan National Police, National Army, Air Force, and Special Forces.

He was the enlisted advisor to the Detachment Commander with a focus on delivering projects and engineering support aligned with the TAAC-N. This Soldier’s knowledge and previous combat experience was critical to the planning and implementation of force protection upgrades and rehearsals.

These improvements mitigated personnel risk from indirect and direct fire threats around the USACE living quarters and offices.
Fiorillo re-negotiated a memorandum of support agreement between USACE and USFOR-A delineating the sustainment relationship between the two organizations. In turn, he led the planning and coordination of a construction project that connected the USACE facility to the German base water infrastructure, providing potable water and improving the quality of life of his personnel.

He served as the force protection and guardian angel leader on more than 25 site visit missions across northern Afghanistan. His planning and provision of tactical security directly enabled the civilian and military workforce to safely supervise and inspect the progress of the USACE construction projects.

There was so much more to his selfless service. He was also the Additional Duty Safety Officer (ADSO), mail handler, and expertly managed the maintenance of two non-tactical vehicles. He spearheaded improvements to both the U. S. Camp Marmal Gym and the Post Exchange.

Not to mention his engineering expertise kicked in when he planned and advised the re-configuration of the Post Exchange facilities to maximize capacity and services provided, positively affecting all personnel at Camp Marmal.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2018
• Date Posted: 11.14.2018 07:16
• Story ID: 299866
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF