August 2001
Enlistment & Basic Combat Training
Fort Benning, Georgia
Enlisted in the United States Army and reported to Fort Benning, Georgia for Basic Combat Training — the foundation of a discipline that has shaped every chapter since.
United States Army · Veteran
A Life of Service
Combat Medic · 1/3 Air Defense Artillery
Long before boardrooms and audit committees, David F. Zapata wore the uniform of the United States Army. From basic training at Fort Benning to six months in Iraq as a combat medic, his service forged the discipline, composure, and integrity that define his work today.
2001
Enlisted
1/3 ADA
Rapid Deployment
2
Combat Theaters
6
Medals & Badges
Where it began
Fort Benning, Georgia
In August 2001, David reported to Fort Benning for Basic Combat Training. It is where soldiers learn that standards are not negotiable and that the person beside you depends on the work you do when no one is watching — a principle he has carried into every control environment he has built since.
Service Record
Duty, Chapter by Chapter
2001 — 2002
Advanced Training — Emergency Medical Technician
Combat Medic Track
Completed Advanced Individual Training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), earning the qualification to care for soldiers under the most demanding conditions.
2002
1/3 ADA — Air Defense Artillery
Fort Stewart, Georgia
Assigned to a rapid deployment unit with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery — trained to move, stand up, and sustain operations anywhere in the world on short notice.
Late 2002
Operation Desert Spring
Kuwait
Deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Spring, providing medical readiness and field support to a forward-postured force.
March 2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq — Six Months in Theater
Crossed into Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom under the War on Terror, serving six months in theater as a combat medic alongside his unit.
October 10, 2003
Honorable Discharge
United States Army
Released from active service with an Honorable Discharge, carrying forward the values of duty, integrity, and selfless service into a civilian career.
Recognition
Awards & Decorations
Recognized by the 32D Army Air and Missile Defense Commander for distinguished service in the field, in addition to the following decorations earned during his time in uniform.
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Army Service Medal
- Combat Medic Badge
From the Field
Kuwait & Iraq
