Get Help

Brigadier General Peter Talleri, Distinguished Achievement

September 3, 2008

"Recognition of this type by one's University is among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon anyone, and I deeply appreciate being selected for this year's Distinguished Achievement Award," said Brigadier General Peter Talleri. "To know that I am included in this group is very rewarding. Clarion has given me a tremendous honor - and it is one that I will always cherish."

He is one of seven individuals who will be honored with a Clarion University Alumni Association Distinguished Award on Friday, October 3, during a banquet in 6 p.m. in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Gemmell Student Complex Rotunda.

RSVP for the banquet are due by Sept. 21 to bmurray@cuf-inc.org or telephone (814) 393-1784. The cost is $40 per person. Checks should be made payable to the Clarion University Foundation, Inc., and mailed to Clarion University Foundation, Inc., 840 Wood St., Clarion, Pa. 16214. Those attending are asked to indicate any food allergies and the honoree for whom they are attending.

Clarion University - Venango campus will hold a distinguished alumni reception on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. in the Robert W. Rhoades Center.

Being honored are: Distinguished Alumni - Edward Bauer ('70); Distinguished Service - H.E. (Gene) and Susanne Burns; Distinguished Faculty - Dr. Gail (Fulton '66) Grejda; Distinguished Volunteer - Sheryl Riesmyer; and Venango Campus Distinguished Alumna - Rhonda Steigerwald ('75).

In addition a special presentation of the President's Medallion will be made to the Honorable Fred C. McIlhattan ('70) in acknowledgement of his 40 years of public service.

Talleri came to Clarion University from Butler, Pa., where his family moved after his father retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1972. Deciding to attend Clarion was an easy choice.

"I wanted to attend a college that personally suited me and enabled me to reach my goals," he explained. "Clarion was the perfect choice since it offered many advantages that I would not have received at a large campus. My family also played a major part in this decision. I wanted to attend a school that was just far enough from home yet close enough that I could drive home on weekends to spend some quality time with my family."

Talleri went on to earn his degree in business in 1979.

I was convinced a business degree would broaden my horizons and be most relevant to the career paths that interested me," he said. "A business degree is quite relevant in the United States military. One military specialty is called supply chain management, and it is taking the business world by storm."

Despite the relevance of a business degree to the military, Talleri had no intentions of pursuing a career in the military.

"I did not join the military to pursue a career," he said. "I simply wanted to serve my country and was determined to be a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After a period of time in the Corps, I realized that being an officer is not just about leading Marines, it's about earning their respect. This requires physical and mental toughness, moral courage, unselfishness, teamwork, commitment and a belief in your self. These are the reasons why I have remained a Marine for almost 30 years."

Talleri's brigadier general rank, proves he has succeed far beyond his original goal of becoming a lieutenant. In his current position, he commands the Defense Distribution Center, which operates 26 depot sites around the world that provide logistical support to America's war fighters and peacekeepers.

He began his career as a platoon commander and supply officer for 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. In 1982, he reported to Recruiting Station Pittsburgh, Pa., where he served as an officer selection officer and the executive officer.

He returned to the supply field in 1986 as a supply analyst, and was subsequently reassigned to Washington, D.C., where he served a fellowship with the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In 1991, he reported to the Installation and Logistics Department at Headquarters Marine Corps, where he served as an operations officer and occupational field sponsor.

In 1994, Talleri flew overseas to join the 'Wing,' where he served as the supply and logistics officer for Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on Okinawa, Japan. He left Japan in 1997 and relocated to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics. A year later, he assumed command of 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group. During this period, he was appointed as the Commander of the Combat Service Support Detachment for Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Vieques that deployed to Puerto Rico in support of Operation Eastern Access.

Talleri transferred to U.S. Central Command in 2001. During this tour, he deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Chief of the Logistics and Transformation Automation Division. In 2003, he assumed command of 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group. During this assignment, he returned to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and also deployed to Haiti for Operation Secure Tomorrow.

Talleri arrived at United States Marine Corps Forces Central Command in August 2005 and served through June 9, 2006. It was during this tour that he was selected to Brigadier General. In July 2006 Talleri assumed command of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan and relinquished command in June 2008.

"Clarion prepared me for rapid growth with regards to education and life experiences," said Talleri. "Over the years this foundation has continually been reinforced, teaching me that successful leadership requires opening up to new ideas and letting your best judgment be your guide."

Talleri and his wife, Deborah (Lipko '80), have three children, Adam, Danielle, and Anna.

Last Updated 1/11/21