Chris McSwain Interviews Lieutenant Colonel Dave Kirkwood

Chris McSwain, Beaufort SC Real Estate Agent interviews Lieutenant Colonel David Kirkwood from the Sports Academy Gymnastics in Beaufort SC.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Lieutenant Colonel Dave Kirkwood, USMCR, Ret. a local Vietnam veteran whose life story is nothing short of remarkable. His military career began on August 31, 1967, when he enlisted in the US Army on an Airborne unassigned contract and ended December 1, 1994, upon his retirement from the United States Marine Corps Reserve. A military career which spanned 27 years of service, 21 ½ years of active duty and 5 ½ years of reserve service, in 2 branches of Military Service. Dave is Silver Star recipient from his service as an Army Special Forces soldier durning Vietnam, and after our conversation, it’s easy to see why. His journey from small-town American to a highly decorated US Army Special Forces Vietnam veteran to a retired Marine Corps officer, and beyond is an inspiring testament to service, resilience, and humility.

I couldn’t help but thank him for everything he’s done—for his country, for the military community, and for Beaufort. He brushed it off with a modest smile, but I could tell that serving had been the defining purpose of his life. And now, in his quiet but impactful way, he continues to give back to the people and the country he’s spent his entire life protecting.

In the end, what I learned from Dave Kirkwood is that service goes far beyond duty on the battlefield. It’s about leadership, mentorship, and building a community wherever you are. He’s lived a life that’s hard to sum up in words, but one thing’s for sure—his impact, both in and out of uniform, will be felt for generations to come.