Gallo, Dallas, RD3

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
My brother Michael who is two years older then me. He joined the Navy two days after High School graduation and made it a career. Our father Anthony was career Air Force, so we were ready for the military. It was what I wanted to do even before graduating from High School.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
Went to boot camp in San Diego then Radar school at Treasure Island, San Francisco graduated and was assigned to Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1, Task Force 115 Vietnam for a year and then served on the USS Fiske DD-842 for my remaining two years. Was medically discharged and placed on medical disability.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
The whole Vietnam experience was life changing for myself and the great guys that I had the privilege to serve with. We served as a unit and did what was asked of us.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Serving in Vietnam has some of the fondest memories and also the hardest memories to live with.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
How tight of a group (IUWG-1) that we were and how we were there for each other. I will never forget any of these great men.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Serving my country during a very troubled time and I am very proud of the medals and ribbons that came with my service.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
My Vietnam Service Ribbon. It is part of a very small percentage of men who earned it.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Lee Hoff, James Azevedo, Frank Ahern and Dick Grace. Tight brothers who will always be with me.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Being on shit burning detail in Vietnam. Pretty interesting times with lots of laughs.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
Worked in the housing industry as Sales Manager for a home building company. Also worked for local government as Zoning and Codes Officer until my retirement at the end of 2012.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Association, VFW, IUWG-1, Mobile Riverine Forces Association, VA Disability.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
Helping to serve and protect others.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Enjoy the experience and learn as much as you can from it.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
It gives me the ability to stay in touch with that part of my life.