Major General Orlando Llenza (July 1, 1930 – March 11, 2021) was the second Puerto Rican to reach the rank of Major General (two-star General) in the United States Air Force. Llenza served as commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PRANG).
Early years
Llenza was born to Maria Isabel Lopez and Harry B. Llenza in Santurce barrio in the municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico the capital of Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education. In 1947, he graduated from Central High School in Santurce and applied for admission at Georgia Tech. In 1951 he earned his bachelor's degree in Architecture and a commission as 2nd lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program.[1]
After leaving active duty, Llenza joined the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. He fulfilled many roles within the 156th Wing Tactical Fighter Group at Muñiz Air National Guard Base including flight leader, squadron commander and group deputy commander for operations. In 1965 Llenza was part of the U.S. action in the Dominican Republic at the start of the Dominican Civil War. Llenza was named Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National Guard by Governor Carlos Romero Barceló, a position which he held from 1977 to 1983.[1] His promotion to major general in the Air Force Reserve was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 8, 1979.[2] Llenza became the mission director in Ecuador for US AID from 1983 to 1986. As a civilian he was a successful architect with Llenza & Llenza (the other Llenza was Hector his brother).[3]
Llenza was also the recipient of many awards, including the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal and the National Order of Merit-Ecuador.[1] General Llenza was the Chairman of the American Veterans' Committee for Puerto Rico Self-Determination. Llenza was a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Council for Puerto Rico Statehood.[4]
"Puertorriquenos Who Served With Guts, Glory, and Honor. Fighting to Defend a Nation Not Completely Their Own"; by : Greg Boudonck; ISBN1497421837; ISBN978-1497421837