EGLIN AFB, FLORIDA – Staff Sgt. David J. Whitcher Sr., 30, died Nov. 2, 2016 during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, Fla.He was born on July 4, 1986 in New London, the son of Horace "Bud" and Kathleen (Morrison) Whitcher. David grew up in Bradford. He knew from the age of six that he wanted to serve in the military, and that's just what he did, joining the Army after high school and gaining the Honor Grad Award in basic training 2004, serving two combat tours in Afghanistan and then achieving his dream of becoming a Special Forces soldier-Green Beret. David enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard in 2008 as a carpentry and masonry specialist. He earned many awards, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. David was a student in the Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC) assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He also earned an associates degree in criminal justice from NHTI in Concord in 2012.In 2013 David came on active duty and was assigned to the 6th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Engineer Brigade, Fort Richardson, Alaska. During this time in Alaska, he volunteered for a human itarian mission to Palau to rebuild roads, schools and hospitals. In 2014 David volunteered for Special Forces training. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Courses in 2016.David was known best by those who were close to him as a free spirit. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his friends and family. He was amazing at everything he did.In addition to his mother Kathleen Whitcher of Bristol, he is survived by his wife, Victoria (Stewart) Whitcher of Bristol, his son, David J. Whitcher Jr. of Bristol, his three brothers; Matthew Whitcher of Andover, Danny Whitcher of Chesapeake, Va., and Michael Robbins of North Andover, Mass., and three sisters; April Messer of Newbury, Rebecca Whitcher, of Claremont, and Ruth Koloski of Claremont, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Horace "Bud" Whitcher in 2015 and one sister, Laurel Coronis.There will be no calling hours.A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Hill Village Bible Church, 36 Crescent St., Hill.Burial with full military honors will follow at 12 Noon on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Victoria Whitcher, 325 Morrison Road, Bristol 03222.Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com