About Dave:

Dave was born and raised on a farm in Nebraska.  After  high school, he graduated from Nebraska Vocational Technical School in electronics.  In 1969 Dave was drafted into the US Army for two years as an infantryman.  He served with the 4th and 1st Armored Divisions in Germany from 1970-71 and was discharged with rank of Sergeant E-5.

After his discharge, Dave met and married Ann and attended college at Wayne State College and Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Physics and a Master's degree in Metallurgy.  Following graduation, Dave accepted a position as research metallurgist at the Ames Laboratory, U.S. department of Energy, a position he continues to hold.

Dave and Ann's family include their son Chris and his wife Beth along with their son Greyson and their daughter  Jennifer and her son Devin. All are active members of the American Legion Family.  Ann is a Past Department President of Iowa, Chris is a Past Squadron Commander and Jennifer is the current Unit President as well as holding dual membership in The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary.

Dave's 32 years of American Legion experience include offices and appointments at all levels.  He has served Ames Post #37 as Command and Adjutant as well as 12 years as Finance Officer and 16 years as newsletter editor.  He has been District Commander and State Vice-Commander and represented Iowa on the Legion's National Executive Committee.  Dave served on many Department committees, including Membership, Oratorical, Strategic Planning and Junior Shooting Sports.  During his term as Department Membership Chairman, Iowa achieved target membership three times in 1991, 1992 and 1993.  He was appointed by Iowa Governor Vilsack to a position on the Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs.

He served on The American Legion's National Americanism Commission 1989-1999, with service as an instructor on the National Information Conference staff, conducting the judge's briefing for the National Oratorical Contest and as Match Director of the Junior Shooting Sports National finals.  He has served as Chairman of the National Foreign Relations Commission, Veteran's Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and the Legislative Commission. 

Dave has been endorsed by the Department of Iowa as a candidate for National Commander.