PO1 David M. Tapper

Naval Special Warfare Development Group
US Navy

PO1 Tapper's Act of Heroism

KIA 8/20/2003 Afghanistan.
He and his team were on a mission in Afghanistan, his 3rd tour of duty, when they were ambushed from 3 sides. As the firefight intensified, David was shot which ultimately took his life. The sacrifice of our fallen loved ones is immense. In memory of my son, I have turned my grief into a positive force for the living and I never tire of helping our veterans. I will forever support our troops. Judi

My Hero

I think as the years go by, I always remember the joy he got out of doing exciting things like dirt biking, scuba diving, body surfing, fast boats and having his captains license, being lead driver with the humvees while on missions in Afghanistan and never getting enough of skydiving. To him everything was awesome. Could never get him out of the water; he used to say, Mom, I think I got salt water and sand in my veins. He was the youngest of my six children and my only son. He was my buddy scuba diving. He served his country for 13 years and always told me how much he loved his Seal teammates; the brothers he never had. With that, and I could go on forever. His MOM, Judi

I just received your beautiful painting of my dear son David and I am so pleased. It is perfect and truly shares David's happiness in all that he did. He loved to experience all things life had to offer. Everything he did was awesome to him. When I look at this painting it reminds me of all the things he accomplished. He was always so determined to do it right. I can only say, the 32 years that I had with my son, were so precious, and I am so blessed that he had four children. David does live on, he lives on through each one of his children.