Captain David Quirk - US Navy (Retired) - Penney Farms, FL
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Responding to a newspaper ad seeking volunteers to fill a much-needed service, Dave became a volunteer for the Green Cove Springs State Attorney’s office as a hearing officer. He volunteers in the first-offender division programs for children and adults. As a hearing officer, he assigns punishment, restitution, and counseling required for first-time offenders. Some defendants who agree to participate will never be a part of the criminal justice system. Dave has worked on cases where he served as mediator for neighborhood disputes and disagreements between customers and businesses. He believes that a one time poor decision or mistake should not have a lifetime impact on an individual.
The residents of Penney Retirement Community have so much trust and respect for Dave they nominated him to be their voice on the Board of Directors. This responsibility is not taken lightly; Dave makes himself available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He serves as a mediator when needed among neighbors. Dave is very active in policy development and the financial stewardship of the community. He was elected to the Board in 2014 and serves on various Board’s committees, including Marketing and Building. There is nothing too challenging for Dave. As an active member of the Building committee, he assisted in the selection of the build/design team for a new 50-bed nursing home. He has coordinated and led the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service in our area for many years. This service provides free tax assistance and preparation, not only for Penney Farms veterans, residents, employees, and their family members, but to those in the greater Clay County community as well. |
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Dave is also a volunteer with The Way Free Medical Clinic, Inc. in Green Cove Springs, assisting with their tutoring and mentoring youth programs. The Way Clinic is a non profit clinic that provides care for under insured and underprivileged individuals. Their mission to support the community and provide prevention and intervention programs gives a hand up to those who need it most in Clay County.
Dave has been a constant volunteer at Mobility Worldwide (formerly known as PET-Personal Energy Transportation), a non-profit organization that builds carts for individuals in developing countries suffering the loss of mobility due to landmine explosions, illness, birth defects, disease, or other unfortunate accidents. Dave volunteers much of his time as the Procurement and Supply Coordinator. Because of his efforts, Mobility Worldwide has been able to reduce their cost, which in turn gives them an opportunity to increase production of carts for those in need.
Dave has volunteered for eleven years with the Orange Park Community Theatre. He has served on the Board, assists with the Play Selection Committee, assists in the box office, and enjoys being part of the cast.
Each year Dave presents several educational programs regarding the importance of establishing advance directives for health and business decisions, and the importance of designating financial holdings to avoid probate issues. He designed a check list for spouses and family members to use following the death of a loved one. This valuable tool is significant in decreasing the stress during a very difficult time. He also participated in the establishment of the Honoring Choices program in Penney Farms, which is an advanced care planning program. Organized by Community Hospice, Honoring Choices is being recognized as a best practice in retirement communities.
Education and Training Accomplishments:
US Navy Schools listed:
Professional or Employment History:
Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded:
Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:
David “Dave” Quirk has volunteered countless hours to his military friends and neighbors living in our retirement community and in Clay County. From serving breakfast in our assisted living facilities, to accepting the responsibility of being power of attorney for fellow veterans and residents, to assisting with their banking and legal needs, Dave is a true reflection of the brotherhood of the military community.
Dave was a volunteer for several years serving at the USO Center located in Jacksonville International Airport, 58 miles one-way from his home. He volunteered every Sunday to be available for those soldiers on leave or coming home from serving at Guantanamo Bay, and for new recruits leaving for boot camp. Late night, food and other comforts are not available at the airport. Dave wanted to ensure the soldiers had someone to assist in this area but also to troubleshoot confusing orders or problem-solving flight delays and other concerns.
Dave Quirk led the Honor Flight ceremony prior to departure. Dave serves as a volunteer for the Honor Flight program. This program works with nonprofit organizations to arrange flights to war memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost to veterans. Dave first served as guardian to assist veterans in need of physical and health care supervision during the trip. He currently is a coordinator with the central Florida Honor Flight program. As a volunteer, he coordinates transportation to Orlando, overnight accommodations, and the assignment of guardians for those veterans in need of assistance.
Dave has given many hours of volunteer time helping veterans apply for military benefits they would otherwise not receive. For example, the surviving wife of one of the residents was unaware she was eligible to receive her husband’s military disability pension. Although there was no retroactive payment, she began receiving approximately $1,700 each month. He has assisted numerous residents in applying for financial assistance with military Aid and Attendance funds, which covers health care services when needed.
In 2013, Dave was instrumental in forming the Penney Retirement Community Veterans Support Group, as an official group within the Residents' Association. This group’s purpose is to ensure that all Penney veterans are registered with the Veterans’ Administration and receive all benefits they are entitled to. Dave is the group’s leader.
In 2014, Dave recognized the need to identify and honor veterans who live at Penney Retirement Community. He worked with others to publish Military Memories, a history of military service for 70 of the 103 military retirees living in our community.
Every year for the past 12 years, Dave has coordinated or participated in celebrations of our nations veterans. He has coordinated the Memorial Day celebration at the Penney Farms Cemetery, spoken at various events, coordinated and assisted with 4th of July Flag Raising ceremonies, and provided historical retrospect and commentary for the Veterans Day Memorial Service.
Awards and Honors:
Captain David Quirk, USNM (ret), continues his tradition of service and leadership. After 31 years of serving our country in the Navy, Dave continues to serve others through his many volunteer commitments. As indicated in the summaries under section 5 and 6, Dave has made service to others his life’s mission, and his diligent efforts continue to affect many people’s lives. He is a valuable citizen of the State of Florida, especially to the veterans and residents of Clay County and Penney Retirement Community.
He does not stop at doing a job, he advocates for the programs, bringing in new volunteers, training them, and mentoring them along the way. Dave is appreciated throughout Clay County for his efforts and the guidance he provides. Dave has earned the respect and trust of others with his positive attitude, leadership, and intelligence. He is truly an outstanding volunteer and advocate for veterans and seniors.
Dave has been a constant volunteer at Mobility Worldwide (formerly known as PET-Personal Energy Transportation), a non-profit organization that builds carts for individuals in developing countries suffering the loss of mobility due to landmine explosions, illness, birth defects, disease, or other unfortunate accidents. Dave volunteers much of his time as the Procurement and Supply Coordinator. Because of his efforts, Mobility Worldwide has been able to reduce their cost, which in turn gives them an opportunity to increase production of carts for those in need.
Dave has volunteered for eleven years with the Orange Park Community Theatre. He has served on the Board, assists with the Play Selection Committee, assists in the box office, and enjoys being part of the cast.
Each year Dave presents several educational programs regarding the importance of establishing advance directives for health and business decisions, and the importance of designating financial holdings to avoid probate issues. He designed a check list for spouses and family members to use following the death of a loved one. This valuable tool is significant in decreasing the stress during a very difficult time. He also participated in the establishment of the Honoring Choices program in Penney Farms, which is an advanced care planning program. Organized by Community Hospice, Honoring Choices is being recognized as a best practice in retirement communities.
Education and Training Accomplishments:
- 09/1972-06/1974 MS Operations Research Post Graduate School, Monteray, CA
- 06/1962-06/1966 BS Mechanical Engineering US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
US Navy Schools listed:
- 10/67 Basic Nuclear Power School, 20 weeks
- 05/68 Nuclear Power School, 28 weeks
- 06/72 Fleet Data Processing Course, 6 weeks
- 11/72 Basic Qualification Course of the Supply Corps, 26 weeks
- 03/82 Leadership and Management Education and Training for Division Officer-Advanced, 2 weeks
- 06/82 Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System, 2 weeks 07/88 Total Quality Management Course, 1 week
Professional or Employment History:
- 06/1962 - 03/1993 US Navy Supply Corps.
- 03/1993 - 10/2006 US Civil Service Defense Information Systems Agency GS11-15
Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded:
- Defense Superior Service
- Legion of Merit (2nd award)
- Meritorious service medal
- Navy commendation medal (2nd award) Joint meritorious Unit award
- Navy Meritorious Unit Award (2nd award) Navy “E” (2nd award)
- National Defense (2nd award)
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Medal
Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:
David “Dave” Quirk has volunteered countless hours to his military friends and neighbors living in our retirement community and in Clay County. From serving breakfast in our assisted living facilities, to accepting the responsibility of being power of attorney for fellow veterans and residents, to assisting with their banking and legal needs, Dave is a true reflection of the brotherhood of the military community.
Dave was a volunteer for several years serving at the USO Center located in Jacksonville International Airport, 58 miles one-way from his home. He volunteered every Sunday to be available for those soldiers on leave or coming home from serving at Guantanamo Bay, and for new recruits leaving for boot camp. Late night, food and other comforts are not available at the airport. Dave wanted to ensure the soldiers had someone to assist in this area but also to troubleshoot confusing orders or problem-solving flight delays and other concerns.
Dave Quirk led the Honor Flight ceremony prior to departure. Dave serves as a volunteer for the Honor Flight program. This program works with nonprofit organizations to arrange flights to war memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost to veterans. Dave first served as guardian to assist veterans in need of physical and health care supervision during the trip. He currently is a coordinator with the central Florida Honor Flight program. As a volunteer, he coordinates transportation to Orlando, overnight accommodations, and the assignment of guardians for those veterans in need of assistance.
Dave has given many hours of volunteer time helping veterans apply for military benefits they would otherwise not receive. For example, the surviving wife of one of the residents was unaware she was eligible to receive her husband’s military disability pension. Although there was no retroactive payment, she began receiving approximately $1,700 each month. He has assisted numerous residents in applying for financial assistance with military Aid and Attendance funds, which covers health care services when needed.
In 2013, Dave was instrumental in forming the Penney Retirement Community Veterans Support Group, as an official group within the Residents' Association. This group’s purpose is to ensure that all Penney veterans are registered with the Veterans’ Administration and receive all benefits they are entitled to. Dave is the group’s leader.
In 2014, Dave recognized the need to identify and honor veterans who live at Penney Retirement Community. He worked with others to publish Military Memories, a history of military service for 70 of the 103 military retirees living in our community.
Every year for the past 12 years, Dave has coordinated or participated in celebrations of our nations veterans. He has coordinated the Memorial Day celebration at the Penney Farms Cemetery, spoken at various events, coordinated and assisted with 4th of July Flag Raising ceremonies, and provided historical retrospect and commentary for the Veterans Day Memorial Service.
Awards and Honors:
- 2016 LeadingAge Florida Volunteer of the Year Award - Established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation, LeadingAge Florida is committed to assisting members in achieving excellence as providers, businesses, and employers. To accomplish this goal, the Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers. The Association is comprised of approximately 350 of the state’s premier elder care organizations and more than 140 business associates.
- 2016 Governor’s Veterans Service Award - Governor’s Veterans Service Award honors Floridians who have served in the U.S. Military. WHEREAS, it is proper that all Floridians honor America’s military veterans, including Florida’s more than 1.5 million living veterans, through whose selfless service and sacrifice we enjoy freedom and liberty. As a result, the Governor of Florida created executive order number 14-88 “The Governor’s Veterans Service Award” to honor Florida Veterans.
- 2015 Celebrate Clay Volunteer of the Year Award Celebrate Clay, an initiative of The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc., recognizes, rewards, and encourages community service within Clay County. In addition to Dave’s recognition as the County’s Volunteer of the Year, the Foundation donated $5,000 to Penney Retirement Community, a non-profit Christian Continuing Care Retirement Community.
- 2016 Finalist in the Shepherd’s Center Golden Years Gala Volunteer Man of the Year Award 2017 Finalist in the Shepherd’s Center Golden Years Gala Lifetime Achievement Award. The Shepherd’s Center is a learning, activity, service, support, and socializing center Clay County seniors who are 55 and up.
Captain David Quirk, USNM (ret), continues his tradition of service and leadership. After 31 years of serving our country in the Navy, Dave continues to serve others through his many volunteer commitments. As indicated in the summaries under section 5 and 6, Dave has made service to others his life’s mission, and his diligent efforts continue to affect many people’s lives. He is a valuable citizen of the State of Florida, especially to the veterans and residents of Clay County and Penney Retirement Community.
He does not stop at doing a job, he advocates for the programs, bringing in new volunteers, training them, and mentoring them along the way. Dave is appreciated throughout Clay County for his efforts and the guidance he provides. Dave has earned the respect and trust of others with his positive attitude, leadership, and intelligence. He is truly an outstanding volunteer and advocate for veterans and seniors.