DOWNEY - Laureen A. Perri, who graduated from Downey High School in 2010 before joining the Navy, will be welcomed home with a party Saturday hosted by family and friends.Perri will be home for two weeks. It is her first visit home since she was deployed on the USS John C. Stennis Carrier, which is responsible for conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Perri graduated from Navy boot camp in January 2011 and came home briefly in July before receiving orders to be stationed in the state of Washington for deployment. In addition to her duties as MMFN (fireman machinists mate striker), Perri has seen many ports of the world while participating in community service projects. She has worked and played with children in a Malaysian orphanage and assisted Bahraini students with their studies at the American Cultural and Educational Center in the Manama Kingdom of Bahrain. On her first deployment, Perri qualified for and received her Enlisted Service Specialist pin. In March she will take her MM3 exam for advancement to 3rd class petty officer. Her parents, Anthony and Leonora Perri, said they are still adjusting to their daughter being away from home. "Her achievement and dedication to her service has brought her family pride and a sense of fulfillment," Perri's parents said. The family plans a barbecue Saturday to celebrate her return.

********** Published: February 16, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 44