Dave’s Personal Story
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Lt. Col. Dave Kirkwood, USMCR, Ret. a local Vietnam veteran whose life story is nothing short of remarkable. His military career began on August 31, 1967, when he enlisted in the US Army on an Airborne unassigned contract and ended December 1, 1994, upon his retirement from the United States Marine Corps Reserve. A military career which spanned 27 years of service, 21 ½ years of active duty and 5 ½ years of reserve service, in 2 branches of Military Service. Dave is Silver Star recipient from his service as an Army Special Forces soldier durning Vietnam, and after our conversation, it’s easy to see why. His journey from small-town American to a highly decorated US Army Special Forces Vietnam veteran to a retired Marine Corps officer, and beyond is an inspiring testament to service, resilience, and humility.
“So, tell me about your early life.”
Dave grew up in Summitville, Indiana, a quiet town that shaped his values of hard work and community. He was an athlete—he loved basketball—and even played in college before he enlisted and on the Fort Bragg basketball team during his time in the military. But long before his basketball days, he felt this pull to serve his country. That sense of duty would ultimately lead him to join the military, where his natural leadership skills quickly made him stand out.
“How did you end up in Special Forces?”
After joining the Army and during basic training he was assigned to undergo advanced airborne infantry training (AIT), during AIT, Dave’s potential was recognized right away and he was interviewed and selected for Special Forces, at 19 years old. Initially, he thought he wanted to be a Special Forces Medic, but after the completion if the first 12 weeks, he requested and was assigned to undergo training as a Combat Engineer and Demolition Specialist. This was no easy path; it required rigorous training and an unrelenting mindset. Dave volunteered for Vietnam and was initially awarded a seat at the Special Forces Scuba School Key West, Fl; however, because he was slated to go to Vietnam, instead he was assigned to attend the advanced engineering and demolition course , Ft Belvior, Va. where he not only sharpened his technical skills but also built lifelong friendships. “You meet people in the military who are more than just friends—they become family,” he said. Dave and his best friend in the Army went through Special Forces Training, then went to Vietnam on the same plane, and came home together.
“What was Vietnam like for you?”
I could sense that Vietnam was a pivotal chapter in his life. Dave served during a time when the war was at its height. Dave explained, as a member of a Special Forces A-team on the Cambodian border in the IV Corps area, the mission was to train, equip and advise Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) soldiers (Cambodian and Vietnamese) in the conduct of military operations, most importantly border surveillance. As the Engineer, he was responsible for maintaining the camp facilities and services such as: water, electrical, buildings and bunkers just to name a few, in addition to taking part in combat operations. The most interesting operation began in late April of 1970, when he was part of the Cambodian Counter Offensive, “ in addition to the NVA we found large caches of equipment to include plastic explosives which I got to blow up!” But for Dave, it wasn’t about the worst days; he focused on the best days. “He quoted a passage, credited to the War Correspondent Ernie Pyle during the Medal of Honor ceremony for SSGT Mitchell Paige, he would rather have gone unrecognized only to be remembered in reflections of his greatest days!”, not the worst ones—that’s what I always aimed for,” he told me.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Gold Star for his acts of gallantry and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during Vietnam. I asked him about those honors, and true to his humble nature, he downplayed the accolades. “ I was just doing my job, trying to protect the CIDG soldiers and Special Forces teammates with me.”
“What was life like after Vietnam?”
After Vietnam, Dave’s service did not stop. He was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Marines upon graduating from Ball State University, May 1974. His first assignment upon graduation from The Basic School was with A Company, 1st Bn,2nd Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC. In June of 1976 he was selected to be part of a special program established at the Recruit Training Command, Parris Island, SC to insure additional leadership and supervision of the recruit training process. Upon completion of his tour of duty at Parris Island he transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve and spent the summers from 1981-1983 as an instructor at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Va.
But Dave’s impact wasn’t just in uniform. During his time active duty at Parris Island, along with his former wife, Sherrel Craft started a gymnastics school in Beaufort. This wasn’t just about sports; it was about giving back to the community and helping young people develop discipline and physical fitness. “I wanted to do something that would inspire the next generation,” he explained. The highlight of his first gymnastics coaching career was winning the 1981 SC USAG Level 3 State Championships.
“What came next for you?”
Unfortunately, Dave’s marriage ended and he accepted a graduate assistant coaching position, women’s gymnastics and volleyball at George Washington University in the fall of 1983. He was selected to return to active duty as a member of the Full time Reserve Support program in September of 1984 as the Advertising and Public Affairs Coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve, Headquarters Marine Corps. Career highlights were being a member of the Armed Forces inauguration for President Reagan’s second inauguration, being the second FTS officer to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College resident course, being the first FTS officer on staff of Command and Staff College and finally at the end of his career, the Reserve Affairs Coordinator, III MEF, Okinawa, Japan. Even after transitioning out of active military service, Dave kept his commitment to excellence and service.
Now, he enjoys life in Beaufort with his wife Victoria, where they have built a peaceful and fulfilling life after years of service. I asked him why he loves living here, and he smiled. “The people, the sense of community, and the natural beauty—it’s the perfect place to call home.”
“What’s this I hear about the ‘Hooch?”
During our conversation, Dave also mentioned his “Hooch,” a special place where he reflects on his time in the military and all that he’s learned, most people would call it a “den”. He often gives tours to visitors, sharing stories from his service days. It’s a way for him to keep those memories alive and connect with others who are interested in military life or just want to hear about his experiences.
“What’s next for you?”
Even though Dave has officially retired from the military, his legacy of service continues to influence the people around him. His story isn’t just about his own accomplishments but about inspiring others to live lives of courage and dedication. “I hope my story can help others see the value in serving something bigger than themselves,” he said toward the end of our conversation.
“Thank you for your service.”
As we wrapped up, I couldn’t help but thank him for everything he’s done—for his country, for the military community, and for Beaufort. He brushed it off with a modest smile, but I could tell that serving had been the defining purpose of his life. And now, in his quiet but impactful way, he continues to give back to the people and the country he’s spent his entire life protecting.
In the end, what I learned from Dave Kirkwood is that service goes far beyond duty on the battlefield. It’s about leadership, mentorship, and building a community wherever you are. He’s lived a life that’s hard to sum up in words, but one thing’s for sure—his impact, both in and out of uniform, will be felt for generations to come.
