U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has named U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer David Bedford of Wilmer as his August Veteran of the Month, recognizing a lifetime of service that stretches from the skies over Vietnam to classrooms and communities across Mobile County.
“When it comes to the military, there is no such thing as working 9 to 5,” Tuberville said. “You are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer David Bedford of Wilmer, he still has this mentality about serving others.”
A Mobile County native, Bedford grew up with an example of military sacrifice close to home. His father was a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and in 1969, Bedford followed in his footsteps by enlisting to train as an Army pilot.
After completing flight training at Fort Rucker, Bedford deployed to Vietnam in 1971. He logged more than 1,500 hours flying Huey helicopters on resupply and transportation missions.
Of all the missions he flew, Bedford said some of the most meaningful involved delivering mail to infantry troops serving in the field.
“The most satisfying flights that I had was when I was flying resupply, especially mail, to the infantry out in the field because it was something that they didn’t have every day,” Bedford said.
The flights gave him an opportunity to deliver more than supplies. Bringing letters from home offered troops a moment of comfort during a difficult and dangerous time.
Bedford said flying in Vietnam was more challenging than flying in the United States, but the danger was always present. He recalled coming under fire twice during more than 1,500 hours in the air.
“And I was never in a helicopter that got hit, so I was really blessed,” he said.
Bedford credited the prayers of his wife, Theresa, his mother and other family members and friends with helping bring him home safely. His return to Alabama also came with a special introduction: A daughter who had been born while he was serving overseas was waiting for him.
David and Theresa later welcomed two more daughters and raised their family in Mobile County.
When Bedford initially returned to Mobile, the local National Guard did not have an aviation unit. After one was moved to the area, he joined the National Guard and served for almost three years.
Bedford also continued his education, completing his degree at the University of South Alabama before beginning a career in the Mobile County school system. He taught algebra and geometry before becoming a school counselor.
“I enjoyed teaching in the classroom,” Bedford said. “I taught algebra and geometry, so I really taught some good kids.”
As a counselor, Bedford initially worked with high school freshmen for many years. Later, he spent more time advising juniors and seniors as they prepared for graduation and life beyond high school.
“I was working a lot with juniors and seniors to kind of encourage them as far as more than living for the day, thinking about what you’re going to do in the future so your studies and your habits you’re developing now get you prepared for what’s going to come up in the future,” he said.
Bedford has continued finding ways to help others through volunteer work.
David and Theresa have volunteered through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, commonly known as RSVP. Through the program, they assist with community events and help seniors in their area.
The couple are also members of the Christian Motorcycles Association, combining their love of motorcycles with opportunities to share their faith with other veterans.
Bedford is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders as well. Through the organization, he supports Gold Star families and helps remind them that they are not alone.
“David’s generosity of his time has truly made a difference that spans far beyond our state,” Tuberville said. “It is my honor to recognize David Bedford as the August ‘Veteran of the Month.’”
Alabamians may nominate a veteran for consideration in Tuberville’s 2026 Veteran of the Month series by emailing [email protected].
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
