David Weldon Freeman

Major David Weldon Freeman (Retired USAF) passed away suddenly in early May at the age of 69 in his beloved home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on May 6, 2026. He was born on February 24, 1957, in Lincoln, England.

David was preceded in death by his father, Weldon Carlisle Freeman (Retired USAF Chief Master Sergeant), affectionately known as “Chick,” and his mother, Joy Margaret (Burrows) Freeman, of Atwater, California.

During his childhood, David lived abroad and throughout the United States while his father served in the Air Force, spending happy years in England, Spain, South Dakota, and California.

David loved horseback riding, camping, fishing, and snow skiing. His happiest times were spent on the water - boating, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. As a Boy Scout, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He spent many treasured hours with his parents on their five acres in Atwater, California, building projects alongside his father. He dearly loved his horse, Prince, and his dog, Monty, who enthusiastically joined him on many outdoor adventures. David thrived while hiking, camping, and skiing in the High Sierra Mountains.

His love for Yosemite was nurtured through countless family camping trips and adventures there. David was an incredible uncle to his nieces and nephew, Allison, Jon, and Catherine, as well as to his cousins, Mark and Paul Burrows. He introduced them all to Yosemite, outdoor adventures, and a lifelong appreciation for nature, beginning in their childhood and continuing through their teenage and adult years. The lessons, adventures, and memories he shared with them will be cherished forever.

After attending California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California, David taught high school history before entering the United States Air Force as an HH-53 Search and Rescue pilot. He was commissioned in October 1981 and served honorably and with distinction throughout his military career.

Military Service

David proudly served his country as an HH-53 helicopter pilot with the 41st Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) at McClellan Air Force Base, California, and later with the 67th ARRS at RAF Woodbridge in the United Kingdom. He later transitioned to the MH-53J Pave Low IIIE Special Operations Helicopter with the newly designated 21st Special Operations Squadron at RAF Woodbridge. David eventually transferred to the premier 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Throughout his career, David participated in numerous rescue and special operations missions. One particularly noteworthy mission occurred on January 13, 1989, while serving with the 21st SOS. During a demanding 1,700-nautical-mile flight, David and his crew helped rescue 32 crew members from the bulk cargo ship Yarrawonga, which was in danger of breaking apart in severe seas.

David’s military medals and decorations include:

• Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

• Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• Aerial Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters

• Joint Service Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• Combat Readiness Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Device

• Humanitarian Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• National Defense Service Medal

• Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon

• Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon

• Armed Forces Service Medal

• Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

• Air Force Training Ribbon

• Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

• Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

• Joint Meritorious Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters

• NATO Medal

• Joint Service Commendation Medal

After 21 years of dedicated service, David retired from active duty and remained in his beloved home in Fort Walton Beach. There, he became deeply involved in numerous veterans’ initiatives and charitable endeavors within the community. He selflessly dedicated his time and resources to causes close to his heart, leaving behind countless acts of kindness and generosity that will define his legacy.

David was a friend to many, especially his Air Force family and his extended family in England and Florida. He was a proud and distinguished veteran aviator, as well as a deeply loving uncle and brother.

David is survived by his only sibling, Jane (Freeman) Millmann; his brother-in-law, Bob Millmann; and his beloved nieces and nephew: Allison Butler (Mike, Samantha, and Julia), Jon Millmann (Jenn and Parker), and Catherine Millmann. He will also be greatly missed by his extended family throughout the United States and England, and his chosen Florida family.

David will be cremated, and his ashes will be interred beside his parents at Winton Veterans Cemetery in Atwater, California. A military service will be held with his family at the time of his interment.