EP91: Leading From the Front: 2024 Nininger Award Recipient MAJ Floren Herrera ’13

In this episode, we’re joined by Major Floren Herrera, Class of 2013, the recipient of the 2024 Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, an honor recognizing his extraordinary courage and leadership. As a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy and an esteemed member of the elite Scout Rangers in the Philippines, we explore the historical connections between the US and Philippine military forces, tracing back to the founding of the Scout Rangers by West Point graduate Captain Rafael Ileto. Major Herrera shares his personal journey, reflecting on his remarkable achievements, including earning multiple Gold Cross Medals for his bravery in combat. He recounts intense battles and daring operations, such as a rescue mission against terrorists and the pivotal Battle of Marawi, emphasizing his profound respect for the ultimate sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers.

Serving as the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company during the Battle of Marawi, Herrera displayed exceptional bravery while leading his platoon through dangerous open terrain and seizing strategic positions to thwart enemy forces. His strategic acumen and bold maneuvers in the face of intense combat not only resulted in numerous enemy casualties but also saved the lives of many of his troops. Over the years, Herrera has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, three Gold Cross Medals, and a Wounded Personnel Medal, marking a career that has embodied resilience, tactical expertise, and a steadfast commitment to his comrades and country.

In this engaging episode, Major Herrera also reflects on the importance of resilience and decision-making under pressure, drawing from personal experiences at West Point and in the field. We explore valuable lessons learned from failures and how empowering team members to voice differing opinions can lead to better decision-making and ultimately save lives. The conversation wraps up with a spirited nod to the Army-Navy football rivalry, showcasing Major Herrera's unwavering confidence in his alma mater. Join us for a compelling exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.

Key Quote:

“That was a great training, actually, I failed there, but I'm thankful. I'm thankful. West Point showed me that weakness that I have, I'm thankful West Point brought that up on me, because there were a lot of instances in the Philippine Army where I used that learning, I have to make sure I have a positive ID of the enemy, I gotta make sure there were instances where, you're given, you were informed that, no, those guys are the enemy, so you were given an A1 info, all that stuff, but because of that experience of West Point,I gotta make sure I get a positive ID of the enemy. All that stuff. I gotta make sure you know, I'm not making decisions based on just because I'm getting pressured, just because I'm angry, just because all that stuff. I gotta make sure I gotta make sure that this is the right decision. And that, I shared that to the Philippine Military Academy Cadets.”

-MAJ Floren Herrera, 2024 Nininger Award Recipient

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) Honoring Sacrifices and Leadership Transformation

(08:40) Leading From the Front

(12:13) Having  Confidence in Combat

(30:41) Lessons Learned From Failure

(39:57) Empowering Soldiers Through West Point

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Links:

More about MAJ Floren’s 24’ Nininger Award

Learn more about the Alexander R. Nininger Award