Stephen Earl Galios

Captain Stephen Earl Galios
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Stephen Earl Galios, known to his friends and classmates as "Steve," was a man of profound dedication—to his country, his alma mater, and his community. A native of Napa, California, Steve graduated from Napa High School in 1955, where he served as student body president and excelled as a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track.

At the Academy, Steve was a standout member of Cadet Squadron 3 and played a pivotal role on the gridiron. He was part of the legendary undefeated 1958 football team that secured a historic tie against Texas Christian University in the 1959 Cotton Bowl, a defining moment for the fledgling Academy's athletic reputation.

Upon graduation in 1959, Steve entered pilot training at Moore Air Base before serving as a pilot with the 3535 Navigator Training Wing at Mather Air Force Base. His passion for football and leadership eventually led him back to the Academy in 1962, where he served for three years as an Assistant Football Coach, mentoring the next generation of Air Force leaders on the field.

In 1965, Steve transitioned to a civilian aviation career, joining United Airlines. Over a nearly 30-year career, he rose to the rank of Captain and Check Pilot, eventually retiring in 1991. Even in retirement, Steve remained tireless. He returned to his roots in Napa, becoming a cornerstone of the local community. He served as a real estate agent, a substitute teacher, and continued his love for the game by coaching football at Napa Valley College, Justin-Siena High School, and Vintage High School.

Steve’s legacy is perhaps most felt through his service to the Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. Appointed in 1996 and subsequently elected twice, he served as Board President with a reputation for being meticulous, fair, and fiercely devoted to the interests of students and teachers. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Napa, the Kiwanis International, and the USAFA Board of Directors.
Captain Galios passed away in 2003 due to complications from a brain tumor. He is remembered by his wife, Nancy, his five children, and a community that viewed him as a "pillar" of integrity.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty / Assignment Location
1955 – 1959 Cadet, United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO
1959 – 1960 Student Pilot, Pilot Training Moore Air Base, TX
1960 – 1962 Pilot, 3535 Navigator Training Wing Mather Air Force Base, CA
1962 – 1965 Assistant Football Coach U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1965 – 1982 Line Pilot United Airlines (San Francisco, CA)
1982 – 1991 Captain / Check Pilot United Airlines (SF / Denver, CO)
1996 – 2003 President/Member, Board of Trustees Napa Valley Unified School District