Born and raised in Trenton, Michigan, David Flaishans enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 18. He did not want to attend college at that time because, in his words, young Dave was a student who did not really apply himself. However, Flaishans recognized the Armed Forces as a good opportunity, so he became a Marine in 1985.
This opportunity took Flaishans to places all over the world: California, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Kuwait, and Iraq, to name a few. He was assigned to the infantry for the first 9 years that he served and finished out his active military service managing fuel for jets. Despite receiving various honors and awards, Flaishans has a humble outlook on his time in the USMC and asserts that the real benefit to being a Marine was the other Marines. “Anything I did was out of service to the country or to better myself, not to receive recognition,” he says. “They say it’s a brotherhood, and it truly is. [The Marines] gave me lifelong friendships and a camaraderie that you don’t find anywhere else.”
In August 2007, Flaishans retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant. At that time, though they had no other relatives here, Dave, his wife Stefanie, and their children relocated to Texas after visiting friends in the area. Although it’s no debate that Forney has changed a great deal since the family’s arrival in 2007, Dave and Stefanie continue to enjoy many aspects of the community. “There’s still a little bit of that small town feel,” he says. “It’s nice to go to the store and see people you know.”
With all four of their children attending FISD schools through the years, both Dave and Stefanie have been very active in the community. Additionally, Flaishans received a business management degree in his mid-40s, which he puts to use in the operations of his local business, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. “Because of my time as a Marine, I have an increased discipline in my own mindset now,” he says. “It gave me great self-discipline, self-reliance, and so many friendships.”
It also gave him a love for the United States that is unwavering, despite any changes in the political climate. “There is so much separation in politics right now,” he comments. “But I’ll always support our country.
I won’t ever live anywhere else; I might visit, but I’ll always come home.”
Though Flaishans admits that the military life may not be for everyone, he is the proud father of another Marine, his son Jacob. “I really enjoyed my time in the military, and I would encourage anyone interested to look into it. There is a lot of sacrifice, but it’s a good life.” I won’t ever live anywhere else; I might visit, but I’ll always come home.”
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