Colonel David Owen Bird (Ret.)

Col Bird was the 3d Squadron Commander and I was his Signal Officer in Amberg. He had relieved the previous commander the day I reported for duty. That was the day I met Swoop:). Best commanding officer I ever had. He will be remembered forever. My condolences to the family. Bob Koester

About 4 years ago, I met David Bird in the course of providing professional services for him. I quickly realized that I was in the presence of a most interesting, thoughtful man. He had a wonderful dog and invited me inside to get to know the dog...and David, of course...a little better. That was the first of several such visits. One day we got talking about Europe. I mentioned I hadn't ventured across but that I'd like to visit Normandy, first and foremost, because of the role it played in turning the tide of World War II. He asked if there were other historical places I wanted to see. I mentioned a few of them, some of which are in Germany. David then asked if I planned to visit any places relative to the Holocaust. I said probably not, it would be too gruesome. He suggested I take in at least one. I replied, "Okay David, if I was to visit only one concentration camp, which would you recommend?". "Auschwitz.", David replied. I thanked him for the suggestion, we never discussed it again.
Europe remains in my plans, but this past Sunday, September 8, I attended the traveling Auschwitz exhibit in Boston. It was one of the most moving, interesting, rewarding and profound experiences of my life. During the past year, my job responsibilities have changed, so I haven't seen David in quite a while. I'm here today after sadly discovering that David died in July. I wanted to ask him if he had visited the Auschwitz exhibit in Boston. I hope he did. It was because of David Bird that a good friend and I experienced the exhibit. I wanted to thank David and tell him my/our reaction to seeing it. Also to tell him that, difficult though it would be, I will visit Auschwitz when I get to Europe. It's important - for so many reasons. Thank you, David. May God bless you.

I had the blessing of meeting Dave & Cheryl when my daughter and he lived in the same neighborhood in Florida. They took my daughter under their wing and welcomed her as well as made her feel safe when her husband was away at work. Dave and Cheryl were my grandchildren´s adopted grandparents. When you met Dave, you met Honor. He was a true Patriot and a true friend. We are thankful for God bringing this family into our lives He loved his family greatly and his granddaughter made him light up like a Christmas tree. Until we meet again my friend, save me a place!

My first interaction with Dave was in a History class at UNH this past spring. Upon hearing he was a graduate of the Citadel, I came up to him after class and told him I was sorry to hear that. He looked surprised but then I explained that I was a graduate of a rival military college, North Georgia in Dahlonega. As a Ranger school graduate, Dave was very familiar with Dahlonega and the deceptively challenging foothills of the Appalachians at Camp Merrill. I enjoyed hearing his stories from Ranger school and telling him to drive on / drink some water as he related that he was in and out of the hospital again. Dave's mentorship and leadership didn't stop upon retirement. I was hoping to have him give me the officer's oath when I pin my next rank. I'm honored to have met this American Soldier and extend my deepest condolences to his family. In memoriam, RLTW.

I had the pleasure of serving with COL Bird in Vilseck, Germany and Desert Shield/Desert Storm. One encounter with him molded the time of leader I became. While in the ASM-MFT-E in Germany we had a new Captain come to the unit and I was an E-4 at the time. 1st time meeting him he DEMANDED I make coffee for the office every morning. I told him, I don't drink coffee. He said again he wanted me to make the coffee. I told him, I don't drink coffee so I don't make coffee. He went in on me! COL Bird came out of his office and told that Captain, "If she doesn't drink coffee, she will not be making coffee!" That Captain got all red in the face and I walked away feeling so protected! Rest in peace Sir!

Thank you for your service to our country, Sir. Job well done and it's now time to Rest In Peace. May God Bless You and your family.
~Salute~
VFW Post 1012, Medford, MA

I´ve been privileged to help Mr. Bird beautify his garden for the last 10 years. Each time when we met, I was always impressed with his extensive knowledge regarding world history, particularly in a military aspect. He would also explain behind-the-scenes politics of the country I come from (Poland) during the cold war. Above all, however, we shared a similar tase in maintaining the beauty of the environment. Thank you, David, for all those moments which I´ll miss very much. Thank you.
Jacek (Jack) Marek

Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.