Buffalo resident recognized for excellence in NY Army National Guard while serving in Germany

New York Army National Guard Spc. Vanessa J. Mercado, a Buffalo resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany.

Mercado, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area.

"Mercado and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time."

Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority.

Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.