Capt. Lesley J. Fierst USN, Ret., 53
Capt. Lesley J. Fierst USN, Ret., age 53, of New Prague, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at his home. Les was born on March 15, 1971, in New Prague, to Randolph and Nancy (Lapic) Fierst. Les spent his youth like most kids. He enjoyed hanging out with neighborhood friends playing sports, backyard pickup games, going to the pool, just being a typical small-town kid. Les was the stereotypical 80’s kid, collecting sports cards, playing video games, scouts and growing up with that 80s music watching Friday night videos.
He graduated from New Prague High School in 1989, participating in track and field, cross country, and was student manager of the hockey team. During those years, deep lifelong friendships were formed with friends and classmates. Even at that early age, Les had all of his ducks in a row, knowing what he wanted to do for a career. Upon graduation from NPHS, Les received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis MD, graduating in 1993, with a Bachelor of Science degree (with Merit) in Mathematics.
Les earned his Naval Flight Officer “Wings of Gold” at Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola, FL in 1995, and was subsequently designated an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO). Following flight training, he served as EA-6B Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Division Officer with Electronic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ-131), Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, WA from 1996-2000. There he supported Operation SOUTHERN WATCH during two deployments aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) and one expeditionary deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. In 2000, he transferred to Airborne Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), NAS Whidbey Island, WA and served EA-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor and Standardization Officer. In 2002, he reported aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), San Diego, CA as Assistant Combat Direction Center Officer and Tactical Action Officer where he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In 2004, Les transitioned to the Navy Reserve and was employed by SAIC as a Senior Engineering Analyst. From 2004 to the end of his eventful life, he worked for them providing key engineering support for projects under Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, Point Mugu, CA, supporting various sensitive programs for the US Navy and for International Program Cohorts.
From 2004-2007, Les’ reserve staff assignments included duty as Executive Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer, Navy Information Operations Command San Diego, CA. It was during this time period (2005) that, through a life-long friend and fellow NPHS classmate who was living in California at the time, Les would meet his future wife to be, Alice "Aleka" Gallarde, a young lady originally from Hawaii. Les was smitten! Their 1st date together was on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2005. Aleka had captured his heart and the rest is history!
In 2007, Les along with Aleka moved to New Prague to enjoy the small-town lifestyle he had missed for 18 years. Two years after moving home, Les and Aleka traveled to the Island of Oahu, HI, where she had been raised as a young child, and were married there on Nov. 24, 2009, the 4th anniversary of their 1st date. In 2010, they welcomed their precious, only son, Honu, into the world. Les’ family life was complete.
In the ensuing years, Les would receive numerous Reserve assignments, requiring a “balancing act” between, Navy, work, and family life. Short-term and long-term absences from home were the norm. In 2012, Les mobilized back to active duty as Strategic Plans Officer, U.S. Central Command Strategy, Plans and Plans Directorate (J5) MacDill Air Force Base, FL. In 2013, he transitioned back to Reserve status. Les had numerous reserve staff assignments in the years that followed. Les retired from Naval Service on June 1, 2023, as Chief Staff Officer and Joint Operations Center Director, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Operations Directorate (J3) Camp H.M. Smith, HI.
The professional demands put upon Les, made the time he could spend with his family all the more precious, and he made the most of it. He took immense pride and interest in his son, Honu’s activities. Scout Troop #323 activities and camping trips together were treasured bonding times. Attending as many of Honu’s youth bowling practices, matches, and tournaments, as well as school activities, were always a priority. “Being There” for his son was extremely important to Les.
Les was an avid Minnesota Sports fan. As a Vikings and Wild season ticket holder, he enjoyed many “game days” with Aleka and Honu. In fact, just five days before his passing, Les and Honu enjoyed a “double-header” so to speak, taking in a Vikings pre-season game in the afternoon & then heading to a Twins game that same day.
Les embraced the simple pleasures of living in his home-town New Prague. He was a regular at the fitness center and enjoyed occasional morning coffee & conversation at Lau’s bakery. It was a common site to see him jogging in the morning or walking his dog Sadie down the streets of town in the afternoon, when on occasion they would stop by at Giesenbrau where Les would enjoy a brew and Sadie would enjoy a drink of water and a short rest. He enjoyed time spent with family, friends & old classmates.
Les was a premium cigar aficionado and a connoisseur of fine spirits, especially bourbon. He was a music lover. His taste for music crossed a wide range of artists from Frank Sinatra to Metallica. Many a summer or fall evening would be spent by the fire pit, chilling out with a fine cigar and a glass of bourbon (neat) while listening to Frank Sinatra. With Les gone, Metallica has one less fan on this earth
Les is survived by his wife, Alice "Aleka" of New Prague; son, Honu of New Prague; parents, Randy & Nancy Fierst of New Prague; siblings, Eric (Shannon) Fierst of New Prague, Jessica (Andre) Alladin of Le Center, Christopher (Rebecca) Fierst of New Prague; Mother-in-law, Constance (Charles) Caballero of Hemet, CA; father-in-law, Roger Gallarde of Lakewood, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, 1 grandnephew; favorite German Shepherd/Border Collie, Sadie Bear.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday morning from 7:30 – 8:45 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Lunch will follow Mass at The Fishtale Grill. Burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon where Military Honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.
The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made in Les’ memory, to St. Wenceslaus Catholic School in New Prague. bruzekfuneralhome.com
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