Posted by Brian F. Ellis, CPT, USASOC on November 24, 2008:

David was a Captain and then came back in as an E-5, and he told me it was because he always wanted to be with Soldiers and not have to be faced with the dilemma one day of having to drive a desk thru the rest of his army career. I worked with him every day from 2002-2003 and he was the best mentor and coach I could have ever asked for. The fact that I didn't know he had been gone (had passed away) for so long shocked the heck out of me. How I met Dave: I was the only Non Ranger Infantry 1LT in my battalion at the time and I spent every morning with David for PRC (Pre-Ranger Course), PT and FTXes. He called me his PRC XO. He dropped my 2 mile run time from a 16.15 to a 13.22. He was also the Battalion's Master jumpmaster and prepared all the NCOs and officers for Jumpmaster School. Our battalion set the standard in first time go's because of his efforts. I cannot say enough great things about him. I loved this guy like a brother. He never rubbed my nose in the fact that I didn't have a Ranger tab. He was just ... read more there to train and teach me. David, I am sorry I never got the tab while you were alive to see it, and I feel like less of a man as I write these words. You were the best. I may not have a badge on my shoulder but your training and mentorship kept me alive. There are hundreds more of us that owe that to you. I love you brother. I will see you again one day when the boatman brings me across the river.

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