David E. Lizotte Sr.
189 Blair Road.
Madison, AL 35757
I joined the Army after graduation and completed basic training at FT
Dix NJ in October 1961.After basic I went to advanced training and
became a helicopter mechanic. I worked in the Army Aircraft Maintenance
System for most of the 20 years that I was in the Army. My assignments
took me back as an instructor to where I was trained. I served in
The Republic of China (Taiwan) as the maintenance chief for the
aircraft assigned to that mission. I also served as an advisor to
the Taiwan Aviation units. During the Vietnam War I served three times
with the Aviation units supporting the troops for a total of 26 months.
I served my last 6 years at Ft. Campbell KY, 3 years with the
101st Airborne and the remainder on a special project. The special
project involved upgrading all the Regular Army, National Guard and
Reserve aircraft to the latest configuration. I had a 35 man team and
1000 aircraft to work in a 6 state area. I had some of the best jobs in
the Army along with a few bad ones. The bottom line is that I survived
and retired at age 38 as a Master Sergeant E-8. I received the
Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service
Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and various other awards
during my military service.
I returned to Claremont NH area and attended College under the GI Bill,
graduated in May 1985 with a BS in Business Administration/Management.
I applied for work with the Army Aviation Headquarters in ST. Louis
MO., received a Civil Service Commission in December 1985 and
went to work as an Aviation Equipment Specialist. In January 1989 I
joined the Black Hawk Project Office as a Logistics Manager on the
UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. This job was the best one I ever had. My
primary job was the Lead Logistics Manager for all the installed and
spare engines for the Black Hawk and Apache Helicopters. During
this time there were over 6000 engines to keep up with. This job took
me to locations around the world with a team of mechanics from General
Electric, the engine manufacturer. to correct problems that could
be fixed in the field. I had the responsibility for all
Technical publications on the engines. My job was transferred to
Red Stone Arsenal AL. in July 1997 when the Aviation and Missile
Command merged. I worked on the engine program for 16 years. I also
managed the UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters on loan from the US. Army to
the U.S. Customs Service. These Helicopters had a high visibility and
required immediate attention when Custom' s called. In 2003 I received
the prestigious Bronze Order of ST Michael Award from the Army
Aviation Association of America(AAAA).This award recognizes individuals
who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in
ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipients seniors,subordinates,
and peers. These individuals must also demonstrate the highest
standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding
degree of competence, and serve the United States Army or civilian
community with distinction. In 2004 I received the Ernest A.
Young Logistics Achievement Award. This award is presented annually to
Team Red Stone individuals who have provided outstanding service
in the field of logistics support, made notable contributions to
the efficiency and quality of logistical support, and demonstrated
excellence and professionalism in his or her duties. I retired as a
GS-13 on 30 June 2005 after 40 years of service. I received the Silver
Order of ST Michael Award from AAAA. This award was a total surprise
because to get the Bronze is uncommon but to get the Bronze and Silver
is unbelievable.
I have been married to Wanda Deel Lizotte, a Virginia native, for 47
years as of 2 March 2011. We have two children, E Lorraine(Lori) and
David JR, both are Stevens graduates, class of 83 and 85. Lori is a
teacher in NC and David JR. is a Physicians Assistant (PA) in
Virginia. Lori has two boys and David has a girl.
I spend most of my time in my wood shop making furniture. I continue to
work in there as much as possible. I have taken some hard falls and
damaged my right elbow and broke my little finger on my right
hand. Medication for Parkinson's hasn’t improved for years. I
have been maxed out for a long time but still manage to get
around.