DNER honors combat veterans in Ranger Corps

“These exceptional public servants have served with great pride in the United States Armed Forces and today continue their mission of service from within the DNER,” said Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez, second from left.

By THE STAR STAFF

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez paid tribute on Tuesday to eight members of the DNER Ranger Corps who have participated in combat, including in the war zones of Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq and Somalia, as part of the commemoration of Veterans Day.

In a ceremony held at DNER headquarters, Quiles, also a war veteran, recognized the selflessness of the rangers in the defense of democracy, freedom and the values of the United States.

“These exceptional public servants have served with great pride in the United States Armed Forces and today continue their mission of service from within the DNER,” the secretary said. “Their dedication and sense of duty represent the best values of public service and inspire us to continue protecting Puerto Rico’s natural resources with that same discipline and unwavering commitment.”

Quiles, who, along with Ranger Corps Commissioner Nelson Cruz, presented certificates of recognition to the eight veterans. Veterans Advocate Agustín Montañez Allman and Puerto Rico National Guard Adjt. Gen. Carlos J. Rivera Román, among other officials, participated in the recognition event.

Some 700,000 Puerto Rican soldiers have participated with distinction in all U.S. theaters of war since 1917, including both world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq.