Hero and A Family Man
(January 12, 2011) |
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Master Sgt. David Sigler
waves to the webcam, Jan. 4, 2011 on Camp Victory,
Iraq. Sigler keeps in touch with his family by phone
or Skype. |
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CAMP VICTORY, Iraq
(1/8/2011) -- Standing at just over six feet tall,
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Sigler might seem
like an intimidating noncommissioned officer.
However, the youthful looking 39 year old, who
always has a smile on his face, is actually a very
loving and devoted family man.
Sigler has
honorably served his country for nearly 19 years and
has deployed on three separate occasions, each of
with its own sets of unique challenges.
On
his most recent deployment, Sigler is the NCO in
charge of the A1 manpower and personnel office. He
has had to overcome a view preconceived ideas he had
before arriving at Camp Victory, Iraq.
“I
thought I was coming to a location that was run |
| by all U.S. Army
personnel,” said the Pensacola, Fla., native. “I
didn't understand the Army way of doing things. Once
I got here things fell into place.” |
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One of his key responsibilities is in-processing individual
deployers under U.S. Forces-Iraq. He has helped in-process
more than 40 individual augmentees a month. Sigler, as a
member of the Air Coordination Component Element-Iraq
provides all types of support to include emergency leaves,
to help airmen rapidly return to their families in time of
emergencies; reenlistments, to help Airmen continue to serve
their country; and promotions.
“Sergeant Sigler has
been the life-line for over 400 airmen working on the USF-I
staff,” said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Leach, ACCE-I command
chief.
During his deployment Sigler worked hard, but
worked just as hard after duty. He has dove head first in
collegiate classes. The father of two has completed three
key courses toward earning his Community College of the Air
Force two-year degree.
“Master Sgt. Sigler is an
outstanding airman and Senior NCO,” said Chief Leach. He was
coined by the Air Force Central command chief for his
outstanding service while deployed.
All work and
classes aside, the hardest part of deploying for Sergeant
Sigler is being away from his family.
The recently
promoted master sergeant is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord,
Wash., and enjoys hanging out with his family. When the
family man isn't watching all different types of sports on
television with his wife of 17 years, Dawn, he is taking his
kids, Devan and Destini, to the various sports they
participate in.
“My kids are involved in karate and
softball, so I stay busy,” he said.
While deployed
he doesn't get the pleasure of being with his family, but
still cherishes the moments he gets to talk to his family
over the phone or on Skype. Sigler knew that leaving his
family for another deployment was going to be tough, but he
made the best of his deployment.
“I was dreading
leaving my family again, but overall this has been the best
deployment I have been on in terms of things accomplished
and learned,” Sigler said. |
Article and photo by USAF Sr. Airman Andrew Lee
U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team
Copyright 2011 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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