COLUMBIA, S.C. – Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Investigator Armando Yturria, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant major, was recognized by the national Quilts of Valor Foundation for his distinguished military service as a special operations leader, Thurs., Apr. 4.

Yturria, who retired from the Army in 2005 following 25 years of service and multiple deployments, was presented a Quilt of Valor by the Foundation’s state chairman Anne Mixon and Quilts of Valor’s national executive director Tammany McDanial during ceremonies attended by senior military and RCSD officers at RCSD headquarters.

“Armando is the kind of model ground combat leader that frankly sets himself apart and at the same time draws other soldiers to him,” said Col. Steve Vitali, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), who attended the presentation.

“Armando’s extraordinary service to his country parallels his equally committed exceptional service as a law enforcement officer, to this department, and to the many communities we serve,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “This is also reflected in the love and commitment he has always demonstrated and given to his family all of whom well-know the meaning of sacrifice and service.”

Yturria is also a Gold Star father who is married to RCSD Capt. Maria Yturria, director of RCSD’s public information office.

– For more information about the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept., please visit http://rcsd.net.