Staff Sgt. Jake M. Galliher

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” M. Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Jake entered active duty Aug. 15, 2017, and served as a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43^rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location – Alpha, 363^rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan. 43 IS Det 1 OL-A is a tenant unit in support of the 353^rd Special Operations Wing.

Jake distinguished himself with honors throughout multiple training pipelines, including earning honors as an Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training, a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force’s Cryptologic Language Analyst Course, and an Honor Graduate of the Defense Language Institute’s Chinese Language Course.

A consummate intelligence professional and dedicated academic, Jake earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Intelligence studies while actively pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and maintaining proficiency in Chinese-Mandarin.

As a DSO, Jake was an airborne linguist specializing in Chinese-Mandarin. DSOs fly as AFSOC aircrew members during training, exercises, and real-world contingencies. Jake was a qualified DSO on the AC-130J, MC-130H, and CV-22B.

“Jacob was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother as well as a model Airman who will be forever remembered for his dedication to this great nation and his fellow warriors,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gilbert Summers, 43d Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1 Commander. “With a ready smile, Jake brought the unit together on and off-duty through humor and an inexhaustible supply of energy, whether on the aircraft, in the gym, or on the slopes with the team. Everywhere he went, and everyone he met, was made better for him being there. He has left an indelible mark as a devoted family man, steadfast wingman, and irreplaceable Airman in duty and compassion. Jacob’s tremendous legacy will live on through his beautiful family and all of us who had the honor of knowing him.”

Before his assignment at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jake was assigned to the 25^th Intelligence Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Fla.

During his career, Jake was recognized with the Air Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.