Startzville native reenlists in U.S. Navy

by Navy Counselor Petty Officer 1st Class Leigh Johnson

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wa. - Petty Officer 3rd Class David Willstrop, a 2008 Smithson Valley High School graduate and Startzville, Texas, native who served for four years in the U.S. Navy, recently reenlisted for three years serving at electronic attack squadron (VA 139) based in Whidbey Island, Washington.  

 "The Navy provides with me with all tools to be a leader, to have quality of character, integrity, and authenticity of commitment both to the mission and caring for everyone, regardless of rank," said Willstrop. 

Willstrop, an aircrew survival equipmentman, is a certified parachute rigger who overseas saving equipment, parachutes, and other special gear used by U.S. Naval and Marine Corps special operations forces.

"I enjoy taking care of the aircrews' gear and knowing what I do could save their life," said Willstrop.

VAQ 139, nicknamed the "Cougars," provides tactical electronic attack support for the fleet. 

Willstrop says serving in the Navy has had a tremendous effect on his life. 

"I've made friends that have become like family," he added. "The morals and values instilled in me from the Navy have made me a better person, father and husband." 

Willstrop is the son of Geff and Rose Willstrop who both reside in Startzville, Texas. 

His wife, Virginia Willstrop, and two children, Sofi and Cason Willstrop, live in Oak Harbor, Washington.