David served for four years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Assault man from 2004 -2008. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 and Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. In April of 2006, David received a Certificate of Commendation for actions while under direct enemy fire and earned a coveted spot in Marine Corps Squad Leader’s School at the Advanced Infantry Training Center. Following two combat deployments David deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit during 2007 - 2008 focusing on training junior Marines in current combat tactics, techniques and procedures. After completing his contractual requirements with the Marines, David made the transition to academia, using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to attend the University of Vermont.
During his time as a student at UVM, David studied Political Science with a focus on the role Citizenship plays within society to include rights and responsibilities. David was a co-founder of the first student veteran’s organization and worked towards making veterans more visible in the community through outreach and a now-recurring Veteran’s Day celebration on campus. David served as the Vermont State Director for Student Veterans of America and led veteran oriented community service projects while maintaining Dean’s List grades and graduating in three years.
Following his graduation from UVM with a B.A. in Political Science and Minor in Economics, David was hired as a System Navigator for Vermont Veteran Services Jail Diversion / Trauma Recovery program, a grant funded jail diversion program with a priority to military veterans. He quickly expanded his role as a Veteran Services Navigator to include Supportive Services for Veteran Families, rapidly re-housing homeless veterans, including student veterans with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Now, as the Coordinator of Student Veteran Services at UVM David will be using his knowledge and experience to support student veterans as they transition from the military to academia. Additionally, David will be working to provide veteran informed training to UVM Faculty and Staff members with the focus of creating a more inclusive community for student veterans at UVM. His lived experience adds to his desire to work helping student veterans on campus and in the community.
