BALTDEFCOL Medal of Merit Gold presented to LTC (ret) Ron LaGrone

BALTDEFCOL Commandant Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras had the privilege of recognizing the service of LTC (ret) Ron LaGrone at a meaningful awarding ceremony in Washington DC. LTC (ret) LaGrone was instrumental in the development of BALTDEFCOL over its first 14 years, and as a token of that decision was made to award him with BALTDEFCOL Medal of Merit Gold.

The medal citation read, "The Medal of Merit Gold is hereby presented to LTC (ret) Ron LaGrone. During his tenure at the BALTDEFCOL, LTC (ret) LaGrone served with distinction as Course Director, Syndicate Guiding Officer, and Instructor. His efforts made an outstanding contribution to the high quality of Professional Military Education at the College, resulting in adaptive leaders well prepared to meet the security challenges of the future. LTC (ret) LaGrone's efforts reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Baltic Defence College."

In presenting the award, Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras remarked, "As we look to the College's future, it is important that we never forget its past. Ron and Ulla were truly integral building blocks of the College's foundation, and this medal is truly well-deserved“.