Galero: family man and Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Hensley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
From the Philippines to the U.S., Tech. Sgt. Richard Galero, 56th Force Support Squadron Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard NCO in charge, has worked hard to get where he is professionally, lead his Airmen and provide for his family.

Galero was born and raised in a small town in the Philippines.  He and his family worked hard to make ends meet.

"I grew up in poverty while I was in the Philippines," Galero said. "It was a tough neighborhood, homes were makeshift huts with no electricity and we had to fetch water from the river. I started working when I was nine years old. I remember going around the neighborhood trying to earn some money to help my family."

Moving to Los Angeles at the age of 21, Galero joined the Air Force in October 2003.

"I joined the Air Force for a number of reasons," Galero said. "I needed a better job, I was going through school and I was new to the country. My brother in-law was killed in the 9/11 attacks. It was another reason for me to join, I figured I had to do something. I wanted to help this country in some way to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again."

Galero has had to overcome various challenges in his personal life and career.

"Getting through the loss of my brother in-law was extremely difficult for my family and me," Galero said. "Being away from my family in the Philippines, and being away from my family and newborn son during a deployment was difficult for me."

Since joining the Air Force, Galero has had four assignments including Alaska, California, Florida and now Arizona. Prior to becoming the NCO in charge of Luke's Honor Guard, he was a maintenance analyst and has had many accomplishments throughout his time in the Air Force.

"I won NCO Analyst of the year in Pacific Air Force and have earned my Community College of the Air Force associates degree," Galero said. "I'm still working toward my bachelor's degree. Being here, a part of Luke's Honor Guard, is an accomplishment in its own way. I never had a chance to join Honor Guard when I was a young Airman and being able to see young Airmen grow from day one of Honor Guard is a great experience."

Galero performs ceremonies with the Airmen when time permits. He stays involved with them as more than just a supervisor.

"I've worked for Galero for three months and have come to know him as a very hands-on leader," said Staff Sgt. Earnest Huston, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Base Honor Guard scheduler and assistant NCO in charge. "He doesn't just sit behind his desk, he gets involved with the Airmen. He's also a very well rounded individual outside of work. Devoted husband and family guy, attends church regularly and loves fishing. He puts his trust in me and has the faith in me to know I'll get things done. He's a seasoned NCO."

Galero inspires Airmen to push themselves forward.

"If I could tell Airmen one piece of advice it would be to keep growing," Galero said. "Not just professionally but personally. Never stop learning."