David A. Leger

1957 - 2021

Retired Col. David A. Leger, 63, Salina, KS, died September 8, 2021. He was born in 1957, to William and Laura (Wright) Leger and was the fifth of six children.

David was born overseas and experienced many parts of the world as a military child during his first 14 years. After his father retired from the military, they continued to enjoy being together on the family walnut orchard in California. David graduated from Live Oak High School, and then started his long successful military aviation career.

David went to work full-time in 1987, for the Kansas Army National Guard as the supervisory maintenance test pilot at Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) #2 in Salina. Realizing he could do more as an officer he attended the Kansas Military Academy in 1988, and commissioned as a second lieutenant.

With this new leadership role he held numerous positions including Aviation Unit Maintenance Platoon Leader, Company Operations Officer, Commander of Company D, 135th Aviation, Commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, 1-108th Aviation logistics officer, 35th Division aviation officer, 1-108th Aviation battalion executive officer, 1-108th Aviation Battalion Commander and Facilities Commander of AASF#2. David culminated his career as the Kansas State Army Aviation Officer leading and representing Kansas Army Aviation nationally gaining vast respect from his peers and leaders.

He participated in several overseas deployments and training exercises including Operation New Horizons as the Aviation Officer in Charge to Belize in 2001, and to Panama in 2005. In 2003, he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as the Executive Officer of the 1-108th Aviation. In 2012, he commanded the 1-108th Aviation Battalion on a deployment to Kuwait.

David attended numerous military schools including the Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, NBC Officer Defense Course, Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, Aviation Basic Course, Aviation Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, UH-60 Aircraft Qualification Course, and the Command and General Staff Officer Course.

David also earned many lifelong comrades, brothers in arms that prevail to this day.

After retirement, David continued working hard starting a contractor business remodeling homes in Salina. His new true passion was obtaining several scuba diving certifications and enjoying the water.

David is survived by his children, William Cuevas, (Whitney Paulk and grandson, William Maxwell Cuevas), Zachary Leger, Ella Cuevas, (Cody Sanders and grandson, Miles Ray Sanders), Christopher Leger, and daughter, Laura Leger; sisters, Elizabeth Sharp, Susan Curtis, Kathleen Chastain; and step-mother Sharon Leger.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and brothers, Mark and Robert Leger.

Services were held at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, KS.
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