Lieutenant Colonel Astacio, a native of Ridgewood, NY, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 1997. He served as an Avionics Technician before his selection to the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in 2004. Lieutenant Colonel Astacio was commissioned in May 2008 after graduating from Norwich University.
Lieutenant Colonel Astacio’s operating forces assignments include Avionics Work Center Supervisor, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26; Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative, Medium Marine Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit; Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team Leader, Operations Officer, Detachment A, Marine Air Control Squadron 2; Adjutant, Airspace Management Officer, Senior Air Coordinator, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18; Air Command and Control Officer, Joint Task Force 505, Company Commander, Operations Officer, Marine Air Control Squadron 4; Operations Officer, Executive Officer, Marine Air Control Group 18. He participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, DAMAYAN, and SAHAYOGI HAAT.
Lieutenant Colonel Astacio’s additional assignments include Marine Air Traffic Control Division Head, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1; and Action Officer for Program Executive Office, Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air/Ground programs.
Lieutenant Colonel Astacio earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Norwich University and a Master of Business Administration from American Intercontinental University. He is a graduate of The Basic School, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the United States Agency for International Development Joint Humanitarian Officer Course.
Lieutenant Colonel Astacio's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two Gold Stars in lieu of 3rd award), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two Gold Stars in lieu of 3rd award).
He is married to Vanessa, and they have two children, Kayla and Nick.