A special congratulation to Retired Army Col. Troy “Gil” Gilleland, one of our own Winding River Plantation residents is the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious civilian awards for extraordinary service to the state.

Joseph W. Koletar, president of the Winding River Veterans Association, presented the award to Col. Gilleland at their annual gala, which is held each year to support various military-related charities.

Col. Gilleland enjoyed a distinguished career as a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division. After he retired retirement, he was a civilian senior executive for the Department of the Army, managing a $24 billion program to prepare Army soldiers for combat deployments. He has also been active in founding and supporting military charities to assist returning combat veterans.