Brigadier General (BGen) Dave Papak, US Marine Corps, (RETIRED), is a native of Monongahela, Pa. and a 1971 graduate of Mon Valley Catholic HS. He was commissioned in the US Marine Corps following graduation from the US Naval Academy in 1976. He also earned a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1986.
BGen. Papak was designated a Naval Aviator and a CH 53 helicopter pilot in 1979. During his 33 years of dedicated and honorable service he has held numerous aviation command and staff assignments, including deployments in support of Operation Desert Storm and the most recent Global War on Terror. Subsequent to his 2009 Marine Corps retirement, he continues to work in the corporate world as a senior level sales and business development executive.
He also dedicates his energy and time to the Travis Manion Foundation serving as a veteran presenter for the Foundation’s Character Does Matter Program in addition to being an advisor for local community 9/11 Heroes Runs honoring local Veterans and first responders.
After graduating from MVC in 1971 where he earned three letters in basketball and football, Papak played four years for the Midshipmen and lettered in 1973, 1974 and 1975. He was inducted into the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, the first Mon Valley Catholic athlete to be so honored.
He and his wife Kate enjoy 3 children and 6 grandchildren and currently reside in Monongahela, Pa.