Yeoman Chief Petty Officer (Air Warfare) David E. McDonald retires January 31, 2005 from the United States Navy after more than 24 years total military service. Chief McDonald is the son of the late Charles F. McDonald Jr. and Wanna G. McDonald of Koon's Run. He is the son-in-law of the late Richard and Emma Moorehead of Idamay.
McDonald began his terminal leave period on November 1st. Due to command operational commitments, a retirement ceremony that was scheduled to be held in Monongah Middle School on October 23rd, had to be canceled. In a surprise retirement dinner given by his command, Chief McDonald received the Navy Commendation Medal (Third Award) for serving as Administrative Department Head, Naval Special Warfare Operational Support Team TWO.
During this his final tour, he was responsible for all aspects of the commissioning of this new Naval Special Warfare command. Chief McDonald also received a ship's wheel shadow box presented by his fellow Chief Petty Officers and a flag that was flown over the USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) sent by the Commanding Officer, USS WEST VIRGINIA (Blue Crew) CDR D. E. Arnold.
Yeoman Chief Petty Officer McDonald's tours of duty include Recruit Training Center Orlando, Florida; Yeoman "A" School at Naval Technical Training Center, Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi; Air Test and Evaluation Squadron FOUR, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California; USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40) (Precommissioning and Commissioning), Naval Station Charleston, South Carolina; Naval Reserve Unit USS TRUETT 1095 and Naval Reserve Unit OP 02 Submarine Desk Pentagon, Naval Reserve Center Parkersburg, West Virginia; Naval Air Reserve Jacksonville, Florida; Temporary Duty Training Staff, Trident Training Facility, Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia; Naval Reserve Recruiting Command Detachment Atlantic Fleet Career Information Team (Precommissioning and Commissioning), Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; Naval Reserve Intelligence Program Office Area EIGHT, Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee; Naval Special Warfare Special Boat Squadron TWO, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia; Helicopter Combat Special Warfare Support Squadron FOUR, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Special Warfare Group TWO, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia; and, Naval Special Warfare Operational Support Team TWO (Precommissioning and Commissioning), Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia.
Chief McDonald's medals and ribbons include Navy Commendation Medal (3 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal (4 Awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Battle "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (5 Awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 Awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with hourglass), Expert Rifle Marksmanship Medal and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist wings. As the initial senior member of NSW OST 2, Chief McDonald wears the Command Chief Petty Officer insignia.
McDonald is a 1973 graduate of Monongah High School; 1983 graduate of Glenville State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education; and a 1991 graduate of Central Michigan University with a Masters of Science in Administration degree.
During an eight year break in service, he was a Band Director at Gassaway Middle School, Gassaway, WV, Hundred High School, Hundred WV and an Assistant Band Director at Calhoun County High School, Grantsville, WV.
David and Robin have two daughters Amie Kay Horne of Tennessee and Ashley Nicole of Virginia Beach. A son, Mark Edwin McDonald, died at birth in Charleston, South Carolina. The McDonald's will reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia after retirement.
SEE McDonald's Letter WE GET LETTERS |
