LDS nominated for brigadier general
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Col. David A. Sawyer, commander of the 23rd Fighter Wing, England AFB, La., was recently recommended by President George Bush to be promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force.
The recommendation now must be approved by the U.S. Senate.Prior to entering the Air Force in 1968, Brother Sawyer served in the Northern Far East Mission (Japan) from 1962-1965. Upon completion of his mission he attended BYU, where he received a bachelor's degree in Asian studies in 1968. While at BYU, he was a member and distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He earned a master's degree in management from Central Michigan University in 1975.
Brother Sawyer, 49, flew combat missions in both the Vietnam War and Desert Storm conflict. Of the 105 pilots from England AFB deployed to Saudi Arabia, he was one of only two who had flown in both Vietnam and Desert Storm. While stationed in Saudi Arabia, he and more than 80 Church members from the Air Force and the Army met on a regular basis. Out of their group, not one was lost during the war.
He was born to Archie H. and Vida Sawyer in Rock Springs, Wyo. In August 1967, he married Jeanne Tucker of Salt Lake City in the Salt Lake Temple. Currently members of the Alexandria Ward, Alexandria Louisiana Stake, they are the parents of seven children (one deceased). Their eldest daughter returned from a mission to Haiti and Florida last year, and their eldest son is serving in the California Fresno Mission, where he is a Laotian-speaking missionary.
Brother Sawyer has served in various capacities in the Church, including counselor in a stake presidency, bishop's counselor (four times), and various teaching callings. He serves as high priests group leader and sings in the ward choir.
