Dave entered the Air Force in 1971 and graduated from pilot training in 1972. He flew the T-29 passenger carrying Convair for three years, then graduated to the C-123K Provider, a tactical airlift aircraft which he flew for four years. He then flew the C-130E Hercules, also a tactical airlifter, for four years. For the next 17 years Dave flew the C-5 Galaxy, a high speed, high altitude, long range strategic airlifter. Dave was the Chief of Wing Safety for over seven years at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts until his retirement from the Air Force. He then served as an aviation safety advisor to the Air Force Reserve Command for 11 years. Dave is now in his sixth year as an aviation safety advisor to the Air National Guard.