Major Valenti graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Upon graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and assigned to the physical education department of the Naval Academy where he was the assistant offensive line coach for the Sprint Football team. After completion of The Basic School he reported to NAS Whiting Field for flight training. After completion of primary he reported to NAS Corpus Christi for advanced flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator on October 1, 2004. Captain Valenti reported to the “Titans” of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT-253) at MCAS Cherry Point where he received training in the venerable KC-130. While assigned to VMGRT-253 he flew missions in support of SPMAGTF KATRINA conducting disaster relief operations to the gulf coast area of New Orleans. After designation as a Transport Pilot 3rd Class he was assigned to the “Raiders” of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) at MCAS Miramar. He held several billets including Ground Training Officer, Flight Duty Officer and Powerline Division Officer in Charge. He completed two combat deployments with the Raiders in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. His combat billets include Airframes Division Officer in Charge, KC-130 tasker in the Tactical Air Command Center, and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. After attendance at resident Expeditionary Warfare School, Captain Valenti was an augment academics instructor at Officer Candidates’ School. Captain Valenti was then assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. He completed two successful combat tours with VMGR-252 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Operations Officer. Major Valenti is an Aircraft Commander and holds various instructor and flight leadership designations most notably Weapons and Tatics Instruct