David Ward retires from the Tenn. National Guard after 40 years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After more than 40 years of service in the U.S. military, Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Ward retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard on August 28.

Ward, who was the Tennessee National Guard’s sixth Command Chief Warrant Officer and principal advisor to Tennessee’s Adjutant General for the supervision and training of all Tennessee Army National Guard Warrant Officers, began his military career in 1985. Enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 19, he became an Equipment Records and Parts Specialist with the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Benning, Georgia.

“When I was growing up, serving in the military was something I always felt called to do,” said Ward. “So, shortly after graduating high school, I enlisted, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”  

After three years on Active-Duty, Ward joined the South Carolina Army National Guard’s 1-263rd Armor Regiment in Mullins, South Carolina, where he served for 16 years and rose from the rank of Specialist to Chief Warrant Officer 2.

“While in South Carolina, I discovered my passion for the maintenance field,” said Ward. “I loved repairing vehicles and equipment, and I knew that it was what I was meant to do. I learned all I could and was then accepted as a Warrant Officer where I became a technical specialist.”

In 2004, Ward transferred to the Tennessee Army National Guard and served as the Detachment Commander for the 730th Quartermaster Company. In 2007, he deployed with the unit to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return, he served in various command and staff positions to include the Senior Maintenance Technician with the 176th Maintenance Battalion and as the Logistics Maintenance Manager. He then served as Tennessee’s Senior Maintenance Officer and Senior Supply Systems Officer. Throughout his career he also supervised maintenance facilities in Columbia, Knoxville, and Smyrna. His final assignment was as Tennessee’s Command Chief Warrant Officer, which is the most senior Warrant Officer in Tennessee.  

“I loved every minute of the 21 years I served in Tennessee,” said Ward. “It was the most fulfilling part of my professional career, and I am truly blessed to have been able to serve for as long as I was able.”     

Throughout his service, Ward earned numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and an Air Force Achievement Medal. He was also awarded the Bronze Honorable Order of the Eagle Rising from the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association. He is a lifetime member of the association and its Volunteer Chapter, where he served as the Chapter President from 2010 to 2012.

“I will miss everyone I’ve been serving with over the years, and I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” said Ward. “I also look forward to the next chapter in my life and the adventures it holds.”

Ward is a native of Tabor City, North Carolina, and currently resides in Culleoka, Tennessee, with his wife, Jennifer. They also have a home and farm in Jacksboro. The Tennessee National Guard held a retirement ceremony in honor of Ward at Nashville’s Joint Force Headquarters on August 28.     

Author: Lt. Col. Darrin Haas
Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Category: Retirement