DeCA senior enlisted advisor presented Legion of Merit
FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor, Marine Sgt.Maj. Michael Saucedo, was presented the Legion of Merit, first award, during a Jan. 19 ceremony at DeCA headquarters.
He received the award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as sergeant major, United States Marine Corps Forces, Korea, from Feb. 23, 2017, to Oct. 1, 2020. Bill Moore, DeCA director and CEO, presented the award on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Saucedo joined DeCA in October 2020.
“This is a huge deal to receive this medal,” Moore said. “I have known senior officers during my time in the Army that went their whole career and only received this honor when they retired.”
According to the citation, “Saucedo displayed remarkable expertise, knowledge and diligence in the execution of his duties by displaying his outstanding initiative and competence to materially contribute to the successful accomplishment of United States Marine Corps Forces Korea's mission. As senior enlisted advisor to the commander, he consistently provided sage advice and sound guidance on all matters pertaining to the Marines of the command.”
“This sergeant major is going to raise our standards, I can tell already,” Moore added.
As Moore’s senior enlisted advisor, Saucedo is responsible for advising the DeCA director on all service members’ needs related to the commissary benefit and serves as the agency liaison with the senior enlisted chiefs of the armed services.
During his time in Korea, Saucedo played a vital role in building meaningful relationships with United States Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, United Nations Command, and fellow service component senior enlisted leaders. He was also credited with providing wise counsel and mentorship to the Republic of Korea Marine Corps' sergeant major and senior enlisted leaders.
“I received this award because of the hard work and efforts of all the Marines and civilian personnel at U. S. Marine Forces Korea,” Saucedo said. “Representing the United States Marine Corps in the Republic of Korea was a tremendous honor for me, and working closely with our ROK Marine Corps brothers was an opportunity of a lifetime.”
He also credited his award to working with great leaders and mentors from both the Joint and Combined Services during his tour with Marine Forces Korea.
“Serving in South Korea for the last four years was rewarding for me and my family,” he added. “We have built personal and professional relationships that will last forever.”
The Legion of Merit is the seventh highest in the order of precedence and a very illustrious medal that is awarded by the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Homeland Security. It recognizes exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service.
-DeCA-
About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.