First Lieutenant (1LT) Zachary Dart Galli was born September 8, 2000, in Norfolk, VA. He attended Greenwood Christian Academy, Williamsburg Christian Academy, and Lafayette High School. Zachary served as Vice President of his class. He was a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, Math and National Honor Society, and Kendama and Key Club. Zachary attended University of Virginia on an Army ROTC scholarship. He graduated with a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Virginia in May of 2022 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the US Army.

Upon his commissioning, Zachary was named the Professor of Military Science Superior Cadet by his instructors; an award given to the cadet most prepared to assume the responsibilities of being a platoon leader. He furthered his military training at the Army Logistics University at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA where he interviewed for and was offered a highly selective position in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). In January 2024, Zachary was assigned to his first duty station at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. He was promoted to First Lieutenant February of 2024 .

Upon graduating from the Army Logistics University, he received the Distinguished Award of Merit. Zachary attended the EOD school at Eglin
Air Force Base in Florida where he earned the colloquial title of “Unicorn” among EOD technicians by passing all 45 required tests on the very first try, something only an elite few are able to accomplish. First Lieutenant Galli’s military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Basic EOD Badge. Additionally, 1LT Galli was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

1LT Galli is survived by his mother Gail Faris Galli, father Michael James Galli, brother Joshua Holt Galli, and sister Abigail Mae Galli.

Aaron grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his parents, Lou-Ann and Charles Fowler, his older brother Ethan, and younger brothers, Austin and Evan. His upbringing instilled an intense work ethic and motivation for self-challenge.

He wanted everything from life, which carried him through many countries, callings, and experiences. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He made the uncommon choice to pause his Navy education for two years of overseas missions to North Africa and another year and a half spent attaining a Master’s degree in Arabic Studies from Georgetown. That study included overseas language training in Oman. In DC, he found a close church family in Capitol Hill Baptist.

Aaron’s frequent travel reflected his intense curiosity for the world and his deep desire for community and relationships. Though reserved, Aaron was not shy to express his honest opinions or to challenge those around him. His easygoing nature and willingness to help those around him made for fast friendships, and his loyalty in the midst of his many commitments made his friendships stick. Everyone who knew him knew also of his strong devotion to Christ.

After completing his master’s degree at Georgetown, Aaron finally began two years of rigorous physical and academic Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training. In January 2022, upon successful completion of the EOD training pipeline, he reported to EOD Mobile Unit ONE in San Diego, California.

Aaron died on Easter Sunday while conducting military training in Hawaii. He is remembered for his kindness, wit, sarcasm, and selflessness. Aaron is strong and singular, missed by many around the world, and now at home with his Heavenly Father.

Sergeant James G. Johnston, an 89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, assigned to 704th Ordnance Company (EOD), 79th Ordnance Battalion (EOD), died June 25, 2019, as a result of wounds he sustained while engaged in combat operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

SGT Johnston was born on September 16, 1994. He enlisted in the United States Army in July 2013, as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.

After completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, SGT Johnston was assigned to 129TH OD CO (EOD) located at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington, as an EOD Specialist. In October 2016, SGT Johnston was assigned to the 707TH OD CO (EOD) at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. Then in January of 2018, SGT Johnston was assigned to the 718TH OD CO (EOD) at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Followed in February 2019 by his assignment to 704TH OD CO (EOD) Company at Fort Hood, Texas. While assigned to the 704TH OD CO (EOD) Company, SGT Johnston held the EOD Team Member and EOD Team Sergeant positions.

In March 2019, SGT Johnston deployed to Afghanistan with the 704TH OD CO (EOD) Company as an EOD Technician in Support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

SGT Johnston’s military education consists of the Field Sanitation Course, Combat Lifesaver’s Course, CREW Master Gunner Course and EOD School.

SGT Johnston’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Meritorious Service Metal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Korean Dense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Senior EOD Badge.