Alexis Fontalvo

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Good Conduct (2), National Defense, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service

In loving memory of your service as CH-53E Airframes/Aircrew with the Wolfpack and Flying Tigers. Taken too soon and remembered in our hearts forever.

Staff Sergeant Fontalvo’s Bio

Staff Sergeant Alexis Fontalvo was born on 25 March 1986 in Patterson, New Jersey. He graduated from Pasadena High School in Houston, Texas in 2004 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on 25 June 2004. He attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California from June to September 2004. After boot camp Staff Sergeant Fontalvo to proceeded to Camp Pendleton, California to continue his training and graduated from the Marine Combat Training Course in October of 2004. He then reported to Aviation A&C School at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduation, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and completed the CH-53 A/D/E Airframes mechanic Course earning him the designation of 6153 CH-53E Airframes Mechanic.

In April 2005, Staff Sergeant Fontalvo joined Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California where he served as an Airframes Mechanic. In May 2005, Staff Sergeant Fontalvo joined the Wolf Pack of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466. He completed two of his three combat tours in April 2006 and November 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In October 2008, Staff Sergeant Fontalvo deployed for combat once again with Wolf Pack, this time to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After rejoining the Flying Tigers of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit heavy life detachment in July 2010. Staff Sergeant Fontalvo was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 August 2008 and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on 17 March 2011.

In HMH-361, Staff Sergeant Fontalvo assumed the duties of Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative for all the Airframes and hydraulic systems on the CH-53E heavy lift helicopter. He was responsible for the overall safety and completion of maintenance actions within his work center. Staff Sergeant Fontalvo also coached youth soccer on his off duty time.

Staff Sergeant Fontalvo’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with one gold star in lieu of second award), marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (with one bronze star in lieu of second award), Iraqi Campaign Medal (with two bronze stars in lieu of third award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award), and the Navy Unit Commendation. Staff Sergeant Fontalvo was also an Exert Rifleman and an Expert Pistol Shooter second award. Staff Sergeant Fontalvo is survived by his daughter Tanika, Son Dominic, Fiancé Tashina, Mother Norma, Father Rolando and Brother Roland Jr.