Disabled Veteran of the Year: ASM1 David Riley

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp poses for a photo with retired Aviation Survivalman First Class David Riley and two fellow petty officers at the Disabled=

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp poses for a photo with retired Aviation Survivalman First Class David Riley and two fellow petty officers at the Disabled American Veterans 90th annual convention in Atlanta, GA. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Retired Aviation Survivalman First Class David Riley, a quadruple amputee, became the first Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Disabled American Veterans’ Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year Award at the organization’s annual convention in Atlanta, Ga., today. The award recognizes Riley’s outstanding achievements that include his community service, Coast Guard Auxiliary membership and athletic activities.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp was on hand for the presentation and addressed the delegates. “It’s an honor to be here and take part in the presentation of the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year award to a remarkable Coast Guardsman,” said Papp.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp poses for a photo with retired Aviation Survivalman First Class David Riley and his family. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp poses for a photo with retired Aviation Survivalman First Class David Riley and his family. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Riley enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1984, and completed Aviation Survivalman School and Navy Helicopter Rescue School in 1986. At that time, the Coast Guard’s aviation survival program was in its infancy, having just been officially stood up in 1984. His first assignment was at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, where he qualified in an HH-52 helicopter. Riley went on to become qualified in three other Coast Guard helicopters: HH-3s, HH65s and HH60s.

“Being a rescue swimmer is one of the most challenging jobs in the Coast Guard,” said Papp, adding, “It requires extraordinary physical demands.”

Dave was medically retired in 1998 after a bacterial infection caused the loss of all four of his limbs. Since his injury, Dave has gone on to become an inspirational leader in the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, a Veterans Administration hospital volunteer, Auxiliary member, and disabled athlete.

“Dave is continuing to live out his life by the rescue swimmers creed – so that others might live – the only difference is that those others are no longer people in need of rescue from the sea,” said Papp. “He now rescues injured veterans returning home in need of an example of how to cope with their injuries.”

The Disabled American Veterans is a 1.2 million-member non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It represents our Nation’s wartime disabled veterans and is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for disabled veterans and their families.

  • Jeanne viola

    First Class Survivalman David Papps what an inspiration you are to all of us not only disabled! I don’t know how you summoned the inner strength to become a leader and inspiration to all of us, I guess the same foritude and inner strength that made you become a rescue swimmer. I wish only good things for you and your family. Thank You Sir For Your Service!

  • http://www.cwoa-rcc.org CWO3 Bob Dudley USCG-Ret.

    Great story! And yet another example of determination exhibited by our service men and women!

    CWO3 Bob Dudley, USCG-Ret.
    Windham, ME

  • Wray

    Jeanne, I think you mean David Riley. I agree completely, what an inspiration for all. David, keep up the good work.

  • Darell Gelakoska

    Congratulations on being named the Disabled Veteran of the Year! You’re an inspiration to all.

  • Tom Teare

    Dave – What a story! To go from being an AST to a quadruple amputee is unbelievable. You and your family must have great inner strenght. The Lord definately has a plan for you and your family. Thanks for inspiring and encouraging us. Semper Paratus!

  • Robert Douville,CDR,USCG(Ret)

    What a tragedy. What a triumph over adversity! What a family! What a truly remarkable man! What a singular honor! The Coast Guard is a better outfit to have counted this man among our numbers. R.T. Douville, CDR, USCG(Ret)

  • Todd Campbell, CDR USCG

    Dave- it is terrific seeing you named the Disabled Veteran of the Year! I remember you from my tour at ATC Mobile and was equally inspired by your determination back then too. It was an honor serving with you and knowing you. Your story is so inspiring and your attitude through it all is quite inspirational. Thanks for being a role model for us all.

  • John Rogers, USCGAux

    Mr. Riley: A USCG vet, Disabled American Veteran, Veterans Administration hospital volunteer, Auxiliary member, and disabled athlete.

    You are truly a GREAT example to ALL Hands!!

    Congratulations and God bless you and your family!

    VR
    John Rogers, USCGAux

  • Roger Chivers Jr. ASTCS Ret.

    Dave, A big time congratulations on your award and the inspiration you provide to everyone! I consider myself fortunate to have served with you during our Clearwater days. I wish you and the family the best of luck in the future.

    Sincerely,

    Roger

  • Jewel

    Dear Mr. Riley I want to say thankyou for serving our country and for setting such an amazeing example of courage and strength for all to admire.
    WOW,reading your story made me realize how small my problems really are and left me with more hope today than i had yesterday.
    Sincerely,
    Jewel

  • Jimmie Cotton

    Dave, It’s great to see you and the family. You have come a long way from those first days waking up in the hospital. Congrats on the award I can’t think of any one person that deserves it more. Jimmie