David Brian Wiersma, Colonel (COL), U.S. Army passed peacefully at home on 15 July 2017 with family at his side after an extended battle with brain cancer. COL Wiersma is survived by Monica, his wife of 26 years, sons Derek Wiersma and 1LT Ryan Wiersma, granddaughters Addison and Anya Wiersma, parents Ronald and Gloria Wiersma, brothers Dr. D. Scott Wiersma (Karen) and Daniel (Kelly) Wiersma.
COL Wiersma was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Mt Airy, Maryland where he earned the Eagle Scout rank. He followed his brothers to Virginia Tech to be in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets where he served on the Regimental Staff. Graduating from Virginia Tech in 1986 he was commissioned an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He became an Airborne, Air Assault, and Pathfinder qualified Army Ranger by the time he reported to his first duty station with the Old Guard at Fort Meyer. He went on to earn the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge.
While stationed at Fort Meyer Dave and Monica met, married, and started their family.
Mid-career COL Wiersma switched from the Infantry to Military Intelligence branch. He was stationed in Tampa with the Joint Special Operations Command and most recently served on the staff of the Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon. His duties took him all over the United States and the world. He continued to serve on Active Duty until his death.
COL Wiersma will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery by the Old Guard with whom he started his career. The interment and graveside memorial with full military honors will occur on Wednesday, 20 December 2017 at 9:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Semper Fi Fund, https://semperfifund.org/donate, or Luke's Wings, http://www.lukeswings.org, in thanks for their support during his illness.
Service Information
Graveside Service at a Later Date
Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Ave
Fort Myer, VA 22211
Cemetery
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY