Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan | The 720th Convoy Security Company said goodbye to a beloved member of their team Nov....... read more read more
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CAMP ADDER, Iraq — The 720th Convoy Security Company said goodbye to a beloved member of their team Nov. 3 in Iraq after the sudden non combat related death of Spc. Joseph Gallegos, 39, a Questa New Mexico native.
While serving in a combat zone, Gallegos put his life on the line with selfless service, which he had done for much of his life according to those who spoke of Gallegos at the ceremony.
720th Commander, Maj. Thomas Gonzales, said "Gallegos put his life on the line in his civilian career where he served as a pump truck operator and Hot Shot fire fighter, earning a valor award from the United States Forest Service in 2007 for saving a man's life, by pulling him out of a burning vehicle that was overturned and later burst into flames."
In Iraq, Gallegos completed 18 missions, traveled over 8,000 miles, and earned the Combat Action Badge for receiving indirect fire on a mission.
Gallegos was from Northern New Mexico, and Gonzales said, "Like many people from Northern New Mexico, Gallegos had a strong belief in family and fighting for what is right."
"Spc. Gallegos always fought for what was right and protected his Soldiers as they were his own family," said Gonzales.
Lt. Samuel Bailon said Gallegos loved hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan.
Lt. Mario Tafoya, Gallego's platoon leader, said "He was the kind of friend that would stand by you when you needed someone. Spc. Gallegos once told me that his whole purpose here was to make people laugh."
"He was well loved and he did so many things here on earth and I am sure he will do much more in Heaven," said Tafoya.
Gallegos was received by his brother, 1st Sgt. Ronald Gallegos, and escorted home.
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2009 06:06 |
| Story ID: | 41517 |
| Location: | TALLIL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 187 |
| Downloads: | 156 |
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