Capt. Lesley J. Fierst USN, Ret.
March 15, 1971 - August 15, 2024
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. 24th, 2005. Aleka had captured his heart and the rest is history!
In 2007 Les along with Aleka moved 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. 24th, 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 Jun. 1st. 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 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-7 PM 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 PM 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.
So sorry to hear of the premature passing of such a great man, one who served the Navy proudly, with much honor, dedication and spirit. Perhaps this is a case of the candles which burn the brightest, burn for a shorter amount of time. It is with great honor and gratitude that I can call Les my Shipmate. Aleka and Honu, while we have never met, we have one thing in common and for that, my wife, Tamara and I send our condolences, and our prayers.
God Bless,
Anthony Calandra
VAQ-131 Ops O
Nancy, Randy and family, you raised an admiral young man and his spirit will live on. Sending hugs and prayers for healing through this difficult time. God Bless
Laure D
I was fortunate to work with Les for over 10 years where we led a joint working group to enhance interoperability of Air Force and Navy tactical data networks. He demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills and patience in this effort as we brought together a diverse group of people and platforms within our team. Les was a great champion for our Department of Defense, the Navy and more specifically the Prowler and Growler community. Those working group efforts would not be successful without Les’s leadership and support. Over a short period of time I grew to see Les as a… Read more »
I am so saddened to hear rhis news. I was privileged to serve and fly with Les. I was always so impressed by his professionalism and calm demeanor. He served his country with true distinction while taking care of his family. Mary and I offer all our thoughts and prayers to the Fierst family during this time. I know the Lancers will be well represented this week in honor of this great American.
Les was one of a kind. I’m proud to say I was his godmother. We never know what will happen in life but Les lived it to the fullest. To Aleka &Honu Randy &Nancy &all of the family our hugs &prayers are with all of you Love Carol&John
Our sincere sympathy to Les’ family for this sudden loss.
He will forever be in your hearts.
Our family’s condolences on your loss. Les was truly an inspirational servant leader who’s towering intellect was only surpassed by his humility, compassion, and moral compass. Honored and blessed to have served with a truly great American and friend.
Our Sincere Sympathy to your Families and Friends for your loss.
Les, you were one hell of a man. A true friend and shipmate. So many wonderful memories were created with you. You will be forever in my heart.
I sure wish we could have met up this past summer but schedules just did not allow the time. On the positive side, I know you and your son were able to spend a little extra time together instead and while I regret not being able to see you one last time, I know having those extra moments with your son were time well spent. I will miss you buddy.
Our sincere sympathy to Les’ family at this most difficult and unexpected loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
I’m very sorry for your families loss. In our thoughts
Les was a premier Navy officer, consummate professional, squadron mate, and a good friend. I will forever have the fondest memories with Les in the air, at sea, in many overseas ports, and while we were both stationed in the San Diego area. He was a friend to everyone and a leader for everyone to emulate. He will be truly missed and always remembered. – Sportin’
My sincere sympathy to Les’ family.
God be with you all through this difficult time. He will be in my prayers.
Les was one of my students in VT-86, always respectful and conscientious and kind natured. Reading this is tough. God Bless your family through this difficult time.
Very sorry for your loss of Les. Wonderful person to know. My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Les.
We are so sorry for your loss. Nancy and Randy I remember when you left for California with your precious little bundle of joy. No words can express how sorry we are for your loss.
Les, We ran the show together as Instructors in Ops. You kept me sane and I loved having a fellow Minnesotan to work with. You were a great friend and my favorite fellow instructor. I was so happy when you moved home with your wife and then son. I knew how much it meant to you based on all of our discussions about life in and out of the Navy. But you made the right decision for yourself. And that made all the difference. But we will all mourn you and miss you terribly. You are a light in our… Read more »
Our sincere sympathies to Les’s family. So very sorry to all of his family. Sending prayers to Randy and Nancy and the family during this difficult time ❤️
Our deepest sympathy as you go through this devastating loss of Les. We will be praying for you all during this difficult time.
God Bless You.
Sincerely. Cheryl and Roger Pikal
Les you were the most honest person I have ever met. I’ll miss our annual get together’s in VB where you’d always order stuffed flounder in a bag. I’ll never forget the same Les joke that made you laugh uncontrollably when your dinner arrived; “so Kevbo I wonder if Flounder were here if he would eat his stuffed cousin in a bag or order something else.” The countless hours conversing over life’s challenges. Les what I’ll miss most is you calling me your friend. My Brother this world for me and many others will never be the same without you… Read more »
I will never forget Les. I have to say that he was the most amazing and fun loving person that I have ever meet. Les was the best division officer that I’ve ever had. He always had a smile on his face. When he walked in the room, the bad day that someone might have been having, suddenly disappeared. His smile, always brightened everyone’s day. I know that I now have an angel looking down on me and my family. JOBKIN, you are so right, this world is never going to be the same. It’s a whole lot better now.… Read more »
Les was the nicest guy and most respectful person I knew. My heart is with his close family and friends who are navigating this devastating lost. May he always be remembered fondly.
So sorry for your loss, You are in my prayers.
Our hearts goes out to Les’s family, he will be missed. Schatz Family.
So sorry for your loss. You all are in Richard and my prayers.
Our sincerest condolences to Les’ family, extended family and friends. He will be remembered as a fine example of a descent human being, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. We are grateful for his service to our country. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with you.