David Steckel’s passion for service was inspired by his father, a Canadian tank commander during the Korean War. Following in his father’s footsteps, David enlisted in the US Army after graduating from high school in June 1975. He completed his training as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief at Fort Rucker. Later, he was stationed in Schwabisch Gmund, West Germany. There, he served as a crew chief on a UH-1H Huey helicopter, providing critical support for a Pershing Missile group. David was honorably discharged in September 1977, earning both crewmember wings and an Army Commendation Medal.
After returning from Germany, David pursued his passion for helicopters. He earned an Airframe and Powerplant license, allowing him to work on both commercial helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. “Helicopters became my passion,” David recalls. Over the next eight years, he traveled the country, working for various companies.
David’s career took a new direction when he met his wife, and together they pursued higher education. He graduated with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and was recruited by the USAF as a civilian engineer. Additionally, he worked as a reliability engineer on the B-2 Stealth Bomber while it was still a classified program. Later, he transitioned into environmental work, focusing on base cleanup and test range operations.
David’s dedication continued when he was selected for a one-year deployment to Afghanistan. As the Base Master Planner at Bagram Airfield, he oversaw all non-lodging buildings on the base. His efforts earned him the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and multiple NATO participation medals. “It definitely checked a box on my to-do list,” says David.
David’s career with the Air Force spanned thirty years. During this time, he earned both an MS in Engineering and an MS in BioRegional Planning. He retired in 2017 but has continued to serve his community through various nonprofit organizations.
David is committed to community service. He has volunteered for over four years with the Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities (PRISC), where he rehabilitated windows at Rose Haven, a house for female veterans. “I had no previous experience in doing this, but I saw a need and taught myself the required skills,” says David.
Furthermore, David serves as the Vice President of ME International, an organization that supports myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) patients and raises awareness about the disease. He became an advocate for ME after his wife contracted it thirty years ago.
David is also a certified sawyer with Team Rubicon. He has volunteered for tornado and hurricane responses and actively supports the Red Cross, donating over 100 pints of blood. Recently, he worked as a water sampler for Sound Rivers, contributing to the organization’s weekly swim guide report.
David’s dedication to both military and community service earned him the Hometown Hero award, presented by Michael Farmer, Loan Officer at ALCOVA’s Greenville branch. The award was given at Rose Haven, where David continues to make a positive impact.
Pictured from top to bottom – top level CEO Rob Sands and intern Kaitlyn O’Donnell – middle level Hometown Hero David Steckel and Michael Farmer – bottom level Board Member Pamela Anderson and Board Member Alexis Davis
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