Hero and a family man

Published Jan. 8, 2011
By Senior Airman Andrew Lee
9th Air Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq / Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq Public Affairs

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- 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.

Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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."

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. Sergeant 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 Sergeant 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. Sergeant 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," Sergeant Sigler said.