David Harris - Semper Fi

By Paula Green

When David Harris was a senior in high school in 1975, he was deciding what he would do upon graduation. Harris struggled in school and had no interest in attending college. However, there was an option that did spark his interest.

"I thought that perhaps the military was something I would look into.  My high school had an AFJROTC when I was in ninth grade, and I was not too fond of it, so I ruled it out. The Air Force and the Army did not appeal to me, so I went to the Navy recruiter. I didn't know what I wanted to do; the recruiter only gave me some fliers to show what they had to offer. That was the extent of his effort. I then went up the road to the Marine Recruiter, where I spent about two hours. The recruiter's professionalism, opportunities, and the honor of becoming a Marine appealed to me, and I knew this would be the right choice,” Harris said.

So, after graduation, Harris enlisted and headed off to boot camp. What followed was a long and rewarding military career. "I served on active duty for 20 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant. (1975 - 1995). I had several different jobs (Military Occupation Specialties, MOSs) while in the Marines that I enjoyed doing.  I started working with a shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile; I then served as a Marine Security Guard, protecting the diplomatic community at an American Consulate General and an American Embassy. I then changed again and became an Air Traffic Controller, where I finished my career as an ATC Instructor," Harris said.

Harris attended basic training in South Carolina. He also spent time in various U.S. states, such as California, Tennessee, and North Carolina (two times). He was stationed internationally and did tours in Okinawa, Japan (twice), Munich, Germany, Rabat, Morocco, and St. Lucia.

Harris is still involved with the military. "I currently work for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Senior Veterans Service Representative. We help veterans get benefits for service-related disabilities. I have worked there for 15 years in various capacities. I refer veterans to apply for the benefits they have earned through their service.  I also suggest they utilize service organizations like DAV to support them through the process if they are apprehensive to do so independently," Harris said.

Recently, Harris was bestowed with a prestigious honor. He was awarded the Disabled American Veterans Dept. of PA Outstanding Veterans Benefit Administrator. “Many times, we have heard from veterans and claimants that Dave goes above and beyond by reaching out to the claimants. He educates and puts them at ease about the VA rating system and how they are also entitled to representation during the VA decision-making process,” said Kevin Noel from DAV Pittsburgh.

Harris resides in Cranberry Township with his wife, Peggy. They have two adult children who are married and two grandchildren. Their son has followed in his father's footsteps; he is currently on active duty in the Marine Corps.

David and Peggy are actively involved with their church, Divine Grace, St. Ferdinand Parish. "I have served with the Knights of Columbus and the Parish Men's Club and am a Eucharistic Minister. I am on the Living Stations Adult Team and serve as the technical director.

Northern Connection magazine salutes David Harris for his military service in the United States Marine Corps. He is retiring from the VA on September 30. We wish him well in his retirement. Peggy noted, “As a proud wife, I know he will continue recommending that servicemen and women look into their benefits and support them if possible."