Photo By Anna Nelson | Constance “Connie” M. Perry, a longtime engineer at the Army’s Program Executive...... read more read more
Soldiers and civilians from the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) joined a large group of friends and family of Constance “Connie” M. Perry for her retirement ceremony at PEO STRI headquarters in Orlando, Florida, on Sept. 19.
Perry, a longtime engineer for PEO STRI’s Project Manager Synthetic Environment (PM SE), began her career with the federal government as an intern in 1986 at the Army’s School of Engineering and Logistics at the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, and retired from federal service after nearly four decades of service.
“My career with the Army has been very fulfilling for which I am very grateful,” Perry told the audience. “I am proud of the fact that I have had a positive impact on providing Soldiers with the best training devices and systems within the Army so that the warfighter can train as they fight.”
Perry spoke extensively about how she valued her family’s support during her career, especially during challenging periods of extended travel and training. She also presented gifts to her three children and their partners who attended the ceremony.
Recapping the highlights of her career, Perry talked about several key positions she held including chief engineer and technical lead roles at various programs over the years, as well as team efforts to improve synthetic training for the Army. These programs included the Close Combat Tactical Trainer, Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability, Live, Virtual, Constructive and Gaming, and One World Terrain.
Perry also recognized several members of the audience and those viewing the ceremony online for their leadership and friendship.
“I have been blessed with working with such top-people, both in the government and on the industry side,” Perry said. “I made some lifelong friendships and had incredible mentors who saw something in me, pushed me, and provided me with the insight I needed to make positive changes in my career.”
John Gillette, project manager for PM SE at PEO STRI, presided over the ceremony and recognized Perry for her numerous accomplishments. His remarks focused not only on her personal achievements but also on the tremendous impact she made on Army training and supporting warfighters.
“One of the happiest and saddest opportunities we have as leaders of organizations is to celebrate the conclusions of successful careers serving our country, whether it’s a military member or civilian professional,” Gillette said. “I want to make sure we give you a good sendoff and really celebrate a lot of your accomplishments.”
During the ceremony Gillette presented Perry with the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, certificate of appreciation from PEO STRI, official retirement certificate and lapel pin, and a PEO STRI “Lifetime Membership” certificate. She also received a U.S. flag and shadowbox for her years of federal service.
“You have served valiantly, and it is with this visionary attitude you have had and continue to have supporting the Army and the nation,” Gillette told Perry. “With that, I say goodbye and farewell. We hope to see you again soon.”
Perry said she plans on spending time with her family and dog “Dutchess,” board games, sewing, kayaking and boating in retirement, and is considering additional work with industry or as a consultant in the future. A small reception for family and friends followed the ceremony.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, PEO STRI is comprised of a highly skilled and diverse workforce of more than 1,100 Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors, who work with Army partners to enhance operational readiness and support the Army’s modernization efforts by fielding and sustaining the next generation of multi-domain operations testing, training and information operations capabilities.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2025 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 548795 |
| Location: | ORLANDO, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 343 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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