Sergeant First Class Angel Cruz-Mercado joined the US Army Feb 21, 1979 and served 17 years 9 months. During his distinguished career in the Army, he was awarded the following commendations: Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon. SFC Cruz-Mercado served during “Enduring Freedom & Desert Storm”. After his military career he served in the Department of Justice as a Law Enforcement Officer. 