Meet Major Boyd Published Jan. 14, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Growing up on Indian reservations in Montana, with heroes such as Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph and Crazy Horse, his life resembled a pow-wow with unlimited potential. Major David "Woody" Boyd's, 325th Security Forces Squadron Commander, mother was a nurse who also worked on the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His father, a prior Marine, worked as a wild land fire manager. "My father had a master's degree in Math," said Major Boyd. "But, he was too much of an outdoors person to do anything with it. So, instead he jumped out of planes and put out fires." Growing up, Major Boyd participated in wrestling and baseball. But, graduating with a grade point average of 1.7, his options were limited and that was OK with him. "I wanted to join the military since I can remember," said Major Boyd. "I grew up reading World War II comic books...twelve hours after my high school graduation, I was in basic training." However, the Air Force was not his first choice. "I wanted to be in the Marines or the Army," said Major Boyd. "My dad said 'no.' He knew that the Navy and Air Force had the best career progression." Major Boyd spent five years as an enlisted security forces member. He was stationed in Germany and Greece. "When I was enlisted, the further I could get away from officers, the better," said Major Boyd. "In fact a good chunk of how I lead today came from lessons I learned from my very first flight chief, TSgt. Thomas. He was a mentor, father figure, brother, and he kept me in check." Sergeant Thomas was his role model. Major Boyd recalled one distinct memory. "I remember one night, I was on mid-shift," said Major Boyd. "I had spent a lot of time making sure my uniform was crisp and my boots were perfect and shiny. TSgt. Thomas came in and he kept staring at my boots." Sergeant Thomas constantly had dip in his mouth. "I thought he was going to pay me a compliment and tell me how shiny my boots were," said Major Boyd. "Instead he spit across the toes of my boots and told me 'boots need shining.'" It was not until years later, when Major Boyd realized the point that his role model was trying to teach him. "He taught me it is good to look sharp," said Major Boyd. "But, don't ever think you're all that and never get beyond yourself and the people around you. That was a huge life lesson for me." Major Boyd's enlisted career was far from smooth sailing. "I missed staff (sergeant) my first try by 12 points," said Major Boyd. "Then I was too late to sign up for re-enlistment. I did not want to get out but, I had no option." After he was released he returned home and joined the Army National Guard. He spent one year driving tanks and one year in the infantry. He began attending Montana State University, where he was involved in the Army ROTC program. During his first two years at college, he met his wife who was studying to be a pharmacist. When she graduated, they decided to move to Arizona. "I went to the recruiter's office to work out my transfer to Arizona State University," said Major Boyd. "The recruiter was late and then when he finally arrived, with McDonald's bag in hand, he told me I would have to wait till he was done eating. So, I left and went upstairs to the Air Force office and the rest is history." He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Justice, and has since earned a master's degree in Organizational Change and Development. In 1997, two weeks after commissioning, he married his wife. He knew, instantly, what he wanted to do. "I wanted to be a cop," said Major Boyd. "My personal humble opinion is: security forces and maintenance are the grass roots of leadership career fields for officers. I really like what cops do, in terms of their mission." His favorite part is the people, but there is also another aspect that he is fond of. "I love deployments," said Major Boyd. "There is nothing I don't like about them. I hate bureaucracy and there is none during deployments, which makes it so much easier to get things done. There is also nothing like the adrenaline rush you get from doing your job." Major Boyd hopes to work on a police transition team during his next deployment. He has now been serving for 18 years and since commissioning, he has been stationed in Washington, Saudi Arabia, England, New Mexico and Colorado. While in Colorado, he served as an ROTC instructor. "I saw a lot of Lieutenants just starting their career," said Major Boyd. "I knew I wanted to help. It is one thing to get to be a mentor, but it was another thing to get to make a direct impact on the future of the Air Force." However, Tyndall has been his favorite base so far due to the people and the opportunity to be in command. Major Boyd plans to retire once he stops having fun. He would like to buy a cabin, far from neighbors, in the mountains of Montana or Idaho. As far as other goals for after retirement, things are not quite as organized. "I still have not figured out what I want to do once I grow up," said Major Boyd. "I would like to go back to school but I don't know for what." Major Boyd would like to one day open a halfway house for young women who have had a rough start in life and deserve the chance to recreate themselves. "That is my dream but I still don't know how I am going to achieve it," said Major Boyd. "That is why I got into F.A.S.T." For a closer look at the 325th Security Forces Squadron click here. Fear Adrenalized Stress Training is a course he teaches to women that offers them skills to protect themselves from predators. "I think everyone has a concern for others in them," said Major Boyd. "I could care less when I die what toys I had, I care about what impact I made." Outside of work, Major Boyd spends a lot of time with his family. He has three sons and one daughter. "Noah is ten," said Major Boyd. "Jeshua is nine and Ethan is six. My daughter, Hattie is five and adopted from China." Major Boyd and his wife plan to adopt more children in the future. Besides spending time with his family, he also enjoys Rugby and playing the bag pipes. "When I was deployed to Saudi Arabia I was working seven days a week, 12 plus hours a day," said Major Boyd. "So when I got to England and I was back to a regular schedule, I was bored." Major Boyd was taught to play by a retired Scottish guard, who he still keeps in touch with. He was also able to play with a band in Birmingham. "Bag pipes are truly a war instrument," said Major Boyd. "If you look at the history behind them, the bag pipes were used to lead troops into battle." The people of England were not the only ones that benefited from this talent. "When I was deployed to Kuwait, I played at least once a day," said Major Boyd. "When the body bags were transported off of the planes I would play Amazing Grace and a song I wrote called 'A Soldiers Farewell.'" Major Boyd was never asked by anyone to play, it was just something he wanted to do. This was not the only tradition he has solely created. "Everyone else has squadron coins, but we are warriors," said Major Boyd. "I have first term Airmen that have been on more than 100 missions. I needed something that was in keeping with the warrior ethos; instead of coins, I give my Airman knives." Major Boyd has also given almost all his coins away. "I have always felt as if the coins I receive I didn't earn directly, but it was because of something a subordinate did," said Major Boyd. "The only coins I keep are the ones given to me by Airmen." Major Boyd has high expectations for his troops. "My goal for my Airmen is to be the best," said Major Boyd. "We are supposed to shoot straight, be fit to fight, and take over. But, it's also important for them to feel valued and know their role." The last 18 years have been quite an adventure, but Major Boyd has no regrets. "I never imagined myself making it this far," said Major Boyd. "It is so surreal. I have gained such an extended family from the military, and for that I am grateful."