U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Leo Giorgianni, a meteorology and oceanography analyst forecaster, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River, has become known within his section for his commitment to the Marines he leads and has been recognized as the MCAS New River Go-Getter of the Month for March 2026.
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Giorgianni’s path to the Marine Corps was shaped by a desire to challenge himself and serve with purpose. That drive has defined his career and continues to guide the way he mentors and prepares Marines for the demands of the Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations (METOC) field.
In the world of Marine Corps meteorology, where accuracy can determine whether a mission launches safely or is delayed, Giorgianni has built a reputation grounded not just in technical skill, but in humility and genuine care for his Marines.
As he prepares to transition from his current billet, he has spent the past several months focused on one priority: ensuring his Marines are fully trained, qualified and confident.
“I teach my Marines that if they ever need help, there will always be someone to call and help them through it. Nothing has to be done alone,” Giorgianni said.
Under his guidance, two Marines recently earned their Apprentice Meteorological Analyst (AMA) and Apprentice Environmental Analyst (AEA) qualifications, foundational certifications that mark them as fully capable junior METOC professionals. The AMA recognizes Marines who’ve mastered the basics of observing and interpreting weather data, while the AEA reflects their ability to assess environmental conditions that impact operations. Together, these qualifications show they’re ready to contribute real, mission‑shaping analysis.
“This young sergeant has overseen and been in charge of training the Marines for their qualifications and designations and has had two Marines get their AMA and AEA qualifications over the past few months,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jerry L. Riley, the METOC, staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “I have trust and confidence in this Marine to lead by example and take care of himself and his Marines in his future endeavors by reenlisting into the Active Reserves.”
Despite the praise, Giorgianni is quick to redirect credit. “What contributed the most was their want to learn and their initiative,” he said. “I was their trainer, but their desire to learn is what led to them passing the events.”
For him, improvement is the heart of the training process. “Improvement makes the individual see how much they’ve changed and gotten better through practice,” he said. “It motivates Marines to keep striving to be better.” That philosophy has shaped a shop culture where growth is not only encouraged; it’s expected.
Balancing his own development with the responsibility of training others requires discipline and structure. Giorgianni says that he builds weekly schedules that carve out time for his Marines’ training, Marine Corps knowledge, and his own professional growth. Even when plans shift, as they often do, his commitment to their progress remains constant.
Giorgianni would say that his leadership style is rooted in hands-on learning and patience. He teaches the material, then steps back and allows his Marines to try, fail and try again.
“Learning through failure is a good way to learn, as long as it’s in a training environment,” he said.
One of Giorgianni’s proudest moments came during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI), when a Marine he had trained was asked about weather impacts on the MV-22B Osprey, and the Marine was able to respond with a detailed, confident explanation.
“That’s when I knew my mentorship made a difference,” he recalled. It was a moment that validated months of effort and highlighted the reach of his influence.
As he prepares to reenlist in the Active Reserves, Sgt. Giorgianni is driven by a desire for challenge and growth.
“I want to accomplish at least twice as much as my first enlistment,” he said, “I want to take on more responsibilities and hone my leadership skills.”
Giorgianni said that he also plans to lateral move, but not before ensuring his Marines are fully prepared to succeed without him. “My sole duty right now is to make sure my Marines are ready and confident in completing their duties, even after I leave this MOS.”
His motivation, even on the toughest days, comes from the mission itself. “Safety is one of the biggest reasons METOC is needed in the Marine Corps,” he said. “Knowing that our job is to keep pilots and personnel safe and informed is what motivates me and my Marines the most.”
That sense of purpose has carried him through every challenge the job demands, pushing him to grow in ways he never expected.
The challenges he has faced have shaped him into the Marine he is today, especially the three months he spent briefing a room full of officers and a commanding general.
“Knowing that the safety of their assets and personnel across the world was in my hands made it very challenging,” he said. But he would continue to say that the experience sharpened his skills, strengthened his confidence, and reinforced the importance of his work.
When asked what he hopes his Marines will remember about him years from now, his answer was simple: “I hope they would say that I was someone they looked up to and someone they want to emulate.”
Through his steady leadership, commitment to training and dedication to mission readiness, Giorgianni exemplifies what it means to be a Marine who invests in the future of the Corps.