J 764: Honoring Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Great Neck North High School on May 22, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 764 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Great Neck North High School on May 22, 2025 WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Great Neck North High School at its Annual Memorial Day event on Thursday, May 22, 2025; and WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr., a native of Great Neck, New York, is deserving of special recognition by Great Neck North High School for his dedication, bravery, and exemplary service to our nation; and WHEREAS, Born on October 14, 1994, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. attended Great Neck North High School, where he was known for his sense of humor, love of sports, and strong desire to serve his country; and WHEREAS, After graduating high school, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. made the noble decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, seeking discipline, fulfillment, and adventure; and WHEREAS, In May 2016, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where he successfully completed the intense training of Marine Corps boot camp and earned the title of United States Marine; and WHEREAS, Following his graduation, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. was assigned to the Aircrew pipeline and trained to become a Helicopter Door Gunner on the CH-53E Super Stallion, the largest helicopter in the U.S. military; and WHEREAS, At his first duty station, Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, he served with Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, where his commitment to excellence and leadership quickly became evident; and WHEREAS, In the spring of 2018, as a Lance Corporal, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. played a critical role in desert training operations at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, where he was part of a crew that saved the lives of two Marines during a live-fire exercise while on Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) Standby; and WHEREAS, From May to November 2019, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) to Soto Cano, Honduras, where he accumulated hundreds of flight hours and contributed to the transport of troops, civilians, and supplies across multiple countries in the Americas, including Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador, his father's native country; and WHEREAS, In January 2020, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. was evaluated by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), the Marine Corps' elite aviation training unit, and was certified as a Night Systems Instructor (NSI), becoming a subject matter expert in advanced tactics and the use of night vision goggles in low-light environments; and WHEREAS, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. continued to refine his skills and in 2021, he attended the highly selective and grueling Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course in Yuma, Arizona, where he earned the prestigious Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6177, Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI), the highest qualification a Crew Chief can achieve, demonstrating his exceptional expertise in aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures; and WHEREAS, Since achieving the WTI designation, Carlos E. Gallo Jr. has been at the forefront of Marine Corps aviation, playing a key role in supporting critical missions, deployments, and training exercises worldwide; and WHEREAS, Today, Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. serves as an instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, Arizona, where he mentors and evaluates the Marine Corps' finest aircrew, ensuring the continued excellence of our nation's military aviation forces; and WHEREAS, For his outstanding service and dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. has been awarded the following decorations: two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Meritorious Unit Citation, two Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to extend its heartfelt congratulations and recognition to Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Great Neck North High School, and to commend him for his exemplary service, dedication, and contributions to the United States Marine Corps and our nation; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Staff Sergeant Carlos E. Gallo Jr.