RICHARDSON, NH, U.S.A.
U.S. ARMY
SSG, SPECIAL FORCES
11/02/2016,OFF THE COAST OF KEY WEST, FL, U.S.A.
SSG David J. Whitcher Sr., 30, died November 2, 2016 during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, FL. He was born on July 4, 1986 in New London, NH, the son of Horace “Bud” and Kathleen Whitcher. David grew up in Bradford. He knew from the age of six that he wanted to serve in the military, and that’s just what he did.
He enlisted in the Army after graduation from high school. He earned the Honor Grad Award in basic training in 2004, and served two combat tours in Afghanistan. He went on to achieve his dream of becoming a Special Forces soldier-Green Beret. David enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard in 2008 as a carpentry and masonry specialist. He earned many awards.
David was a student in the Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC) assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He earned an associates degree in criminal justice from NHTI in Concord, NH in 2012. In 2013 David went on active duty and was assigned to the 6th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Engineer Brigade, Fort Richardson, AK. While in Alaska, he volunteered for a humanitarian mission to Palau to rebuild roads, schools and hospitals. In 2014 David volunteered for Special Forces training and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Courses in 2016.
David was known best by those who were close to him as a free spirit. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He was amazing at everything he did.
SSG Whitcher is survived by his mother, his wife, his son, three brothers, three sisters, and many nieces and nephews.