Everett calls AEDC home again, only this time permanently

  • Published
  • By Janaé Daniels
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  By 1972 the Vietnam War was winding down, but Dave Everett, Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) security plans and programs officer, quickly found himself in what was called a draft "lottery." 

"My aunt worked at the local courthouse and she called my mom up, who was a switchboard operator, and she told my mom 'Naomi, you're not going to believe this, but David's number is up.'" 

At that moment, Everett either had to pick a branch of service or he was possibly headed for the Army. 

"Jan. 10, 1973, I was on a delayed enlistment to the United States Air Force." 

When he decided to go into the Air Force, Everett wanted to be a heavy equipment operator, but when he arrived at basic training, they had other plans for him. 

"When I got to basic training, they told me I wouldn't be a heavy equipment operator because Vietnam was still going on and everyone had to be Security Police," he said. "So they sent me to Camp Bullis for Air Base Combat Training and a police officer is what I became and have been doing it ever since." 

As the plans and programs officer at AEDC, Everett develops the requirements for the base's physical security, law enforcement and force protection programs. 

"In a nut shell, I coordinate the requirements for protection of Air Force assets and personnel to ensure regulatory requirements are met," he explained. 

Everett is also the assistant Anti-terrorism Officer (ATO) for the base. He assists in managing antiterrorism programs to include developing and tracking random anti-terrorism measures (RAMs) conducted by the police and owner and user personnel, participating as a point of contact for the annual vulnerability assessments and other duties as requested by the ATO. 

"I have a great job, wonderful people to work with and every day is a win-win situation," he said. 

Dan Hawkins, Installation Security section supervisor, currently works with Everett and says he's been a great addition to the security forces branch. 

"Dave is a terrific worker and a great person to have around," Hawkins said. "He has a wealth of knowledge and offers valuable insight into various situations. He's always willing to help out and expand his responsibilities." 

Joining the AEDC Team in 2008, Everett brings more than 23 years of experience as an active-duty security forces member with his last active duty military assignment as the security support and Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE) for Arnold AFB. 

"I was proud to be selected for the special duty assignment at Arnold AFB. Upon my arrival at Arnold in 1995, I assumed the duties as the chief of security police working for then center commanders Col. Larry Graviss and Col. Michael Wiedemer," he recollected. 

Everett mentioned that while working at AEDC he acquired the nick name of "Radar" and call sign "Dragon." 

"To prove folks don't forget you, upon receiving my initial phone call for employment, a friendly voice asked "is that you "Radar," Everett said. 

Mike Hollowell, AEDC's Airmen and Family Readiness lead, knew Everett when he was stationed at Arnold in the '90s and says he is still the same guy now as he was then. 

"Dave is a very professional type individual. He's a by-the-book type person, easy to get along with, and hardworking," Hollowell said. "I'm glad he's back. He's a true asset to the base and our country." 

Everett officially retired in from the Air Force in 1996 and filled several positions in the community. 

Those include such jobs as the first security supervisor for Nissan at the Decherd plant, State of Tennessee Probation and Parole officer and Intensive Juvenile Officer for the State of Tennessee for the Department of Children Services. In addition, he has been an active Reserve Officer in the Franklin County Sheriff's Department for the past 14 years and currently holds the rank of sergeant.