Father’s Day is a day to celebrate fathers and father figures, and to show appreciation for their love, support, and guidance. It’s also a day to recognize the importance, influence, and strength of paternal bonds.

For a Minnesota National Guard father and son, this bond has become even more special and indelible through their joint military service.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Gigliotti, and his son, Senior Airman Joseph ‘Joey’ Gigliotti both serve with the 148th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group in Duluth. Ryan, who has 34 years of military service, is the group’s senior enlisted leader, while Joey, with three years of service, is an avionics technician.

There is a long-established tradition of military service in the Gigliotti family, which, besides Ryan and Joey, includes grandfathers, great-grandfathers who fought in World War II, numerous uncles, and an aunt. In addition, Joey’s mom, Kalika Pukema, has 12 years of military service and is a technical sergeant at the 148th Fighter Wing headquarters.

“Having family members in the service, I experienced from a young age the strong community that is created at the 148th Fighter Wing,” Joey said. “Growing up, I heard countless stories and adventures through the military, which inspired me to create my own. The opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and contribute to a team was one I couldn’t pass up.”

His dad also values being part of a team.

“I played a lot of sports growing up and always liked being part of a team and something bigger than myself,” Ryan said. “In my neighborhood, several people were part of the 148th to include my recruiter, so I had a good understanding of what it was all about. Joining the 148th was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Having father and son serving together can cause some family concerns.

“It can be more difficult for family when it comes to deployments, and with both of us gone, it increases the stress and worry on our family back home,” Ryan said.

Joey also faces a more personal challenge.

“My dad has been my role model my whole life. Through his military career, he has set large footprints to follow,” he said. “A challenge I face is filling those footprints and being known for who I am and the work that I do, not just being known by my last name.”

Serving alongside each other also has its benefits, such as companionship.

“On longer term deployments one of the harder things is missing your family. Having Joey there on our last deployment made that a little bit easier,” Ryan said.

It also provides opportunities to create unique and lasting memories.

“By the time many kids leave home, they have already spent the majority of the time they will ever have with their parents. Serving together means that we get to continue to create new memories,” Joey said. “One of my favorite memories of our service together has to be my promotion to senior airman. For the quick ceremony in the shop, my dad was the one who tore off my old rank insignia from my uniform and punched on my new rank to my chest. He didn’t go easy with the punch.”

These memories are often filled not only with some humor but also great pride.

“Watching Joey graduate from basic training was a very proud moment for me,” Ryan said. “Serving with him and watching his career progress continues to make me proud each day.”

This Father’s Day, the Gigliottis plan to celebrate outdoors and enjoy precious, often fleeting, family time together.

“Hopefully, the weather is nice so we can get out in the boat. I’m sure after that we will be having a big barbecue with family before our upcoming deployment,” Ryan said.

No doubt. Father’s Day will also be a time for reflection.

“Throughout my career, I’ve held many different positions, gained invaluable knowledge, made lifelong friendships, and made memories I’ll always treasure,” Ryan said. “It’s great to combine that with my favorite job, being a dad, and hopefully Joey finds his career in the military just as rewarding.”

Joey does find it rewarding, and more.

“The perspective I’ve gained from joining the military has strengthened not only our father-son relationship,” Joey said. “But also, our friendship.”

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs