Who is Lon Peregrino from The Maze and what is their importance?

Lon Peregrino is a former foster child, born Kenny McDermott, who renamed himself after one of the large birds that he loves, the peregrine falcon. Lon feels that he is not good with people, and he is very reserved with Rick when he first meets him. Lon's reticence serves to put Rick at ease, and the two form a bond. Lon understands Rick because they come from similar backgrounds.