Erick Gallardo is the Midlands Regional Integration Officer for the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs. Erick was born and raised in San Diego, California where he enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in 2003. Erick retired from the United States Army in the Summer of 2023 after 20 years of service, and now calls South Carolina home.

During his time in service Erick deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom once and Operation Enduring Freedom three times. Additionally, Erick has deployed to Kuwait and Eastern Europe. For his actions as a Squad Leader in Afghanistan, Erick was awarded a Silver Star as well as a Bronze Star for Valor.

Erick resides in Lexington with his wife, son and daughter, and two dogs.