Brigadier General F. David Sheppard is the Director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security and Commander of the 53rd Troop Command, New York State National Guard. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Deputy Adjutant General of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. He is credited with coordinating the joint New York Organized Militia Force emergency response to civil authorities during the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. 

General Sheppard began his military career after graduating in 1970 by attending U.S. Army Basic Training and subsequently graduating from U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot Flight School. In 1972 after receiving his U.S. Army pilot wings, General Sheppard reported to South Vietnam and served as a combat helicopter pilot flying 841 hours during his one-year tour of duty. He completed his active duty service as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker, Alabama before joining the New York Army National Guard in 1975. He served in a variety of other military assignments as well. General Sheppard earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University at Albany in 1988, a certificate from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government— State and Local programs in 2002, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

He is a licensed fixed-wing and rotary-wing Commercial Pilot, a Foundation Board Member of Empire State College, an Executive Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America Twin Rivers Council, and an Executive Member of the New York State Governor’s Medal for Valor. His numerous military decorations and awards include: the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, an Air Medal for Valor, 15 Air Medals for Combat Missions, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, the Army Aviation Broken Wing Award, and the New York State Governor’s Medal for Valor.