United States Air Force Master Sergeant Pete J. Nikolakakos grew up in Florence, South Carolina alongside his parents, identical twin brother, and older sister. He and his siblings spent summers working in their father’s restaurant, and the family was heavily involved in the Greek Orthodox Community. Nikolakakos completed three years of JROTC at West Florence High School where he was also involved in the Civil Air Patrol
Growing up, summers in Myrtle Beach left a lasting impression—watching A‑10 Warthogs flying overhead sparked his desire to serve and see the world. He enlisted in the Air Force on September 11, 1990, serving until 2011. The opportunities for global travel, combined with his father’s immigrant story, fueled his commitment to give back to the country that had given his family so much.
Nikolakakos and his wife, Christina, have been married for three decades, during which they traveled to more than 25 countries before welcoming their two children, Eleni and Dimitri.
Nikolakakos completed seven combat deployments across Italy, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar. He holds an A.S. in Metals Technology and is a graduate of Airman Leadership School, NCO Academy, and the Senior NCO Academy. His awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Unit Award (3 OLC), Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (4 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6 OLC), multiple campaign and service medals for Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism, the Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short (1 OLC), Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Training Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
In April 2023, Nikolakakos was diagnosed with service‑connected Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a disease that progressively destroys the motor neurons controlling voluntary movement. Despite the profound challenges of ALS—muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual respiratory failure—he continues to face each day with the same determination, steadiness, and sense of purpose that defined his military career. His resilience remains a testament to the strength of his character and the values he has carried throughout his life.
Today, Nikolakakos is passionate about his family, boating, fishing, and traveling, having visited over 34 countries! He has a strong interest in scuba diving, history, and archaeology. While assigned to RAF Lakenheath, he participated in multiple excavations, uncovering an Anglo-Saxon settlement and a Roman villa. Additionally, he served for several years as a Den Leader for the Boy Scouts of America and has volunteered for numerous organizations throughout his community. In November 2024, Nikolakakos had the privilege of participating in an assisted dive with an adaptive scuba diving charity called Life Waters. This organization assisted him in continuing his passion for diving while living with ALS, demonstrating his commitment to staying active and engaged in the activities he loves.
Nikolakakos acknowledges that living with ALS is one of the hardest things his family has ever faced. Every day brings new challenges — physically, emotionally, and financially. Tunnel to Towers has made a truly life-changing difference for Nikolakakos and his family. The Smart Home has provided independence and dignity, allowing the family to focus on the most important things- wellness and being together.
Despite his circumstances, United States Air Force Master Sergeant Pete J. Nikolakakos knows that his sacrifice and service to the country have meaning. Painfully aware that his body is changing — sometimes faster than he can make peace with — he wants others to know that his mind, humor, opinions, and love for the people in his life are intact and strong. He states, “Please don’t mistake the outside for the inside. I’m still sharp. I’m still watching. I still have things to say.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Air Force Master Sergeant Pete J. Nikolakakos with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.