He served during the Vietnam Conflict until his honorable discharge on March 2, 1970. David was most proud of his service to his country. He was a member of an elite group of Airborne Rangers known as LRRP. He received numerous ribbons, citations and medals for his service including the Purple Heart.

During his military service, SFC David Lee Swires also served in E 51st LRP & G CO 75th Rangers

SGT Gary Gentry writes:
David L. Swires ... was my team leader on my third Ranger mission. It was my first mission to walk point. During our first night logger he and Wessel both pulled out warm beers and drank them while we cooked our C-Rations with C-4. (Back l-r) David L. Swires, me, Joseph Felix Krauss, Richard Wessels (front l-r) Steele and Richard Corkan. Chu Lai. 1969
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David Lee Swires, 71, of Scottsbluff, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at his home. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Dugan-Kramer Chapel with Pastor Lyle Hinebauch officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Nebraska National Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family who will designate a memorial at a later date. Tributes may be left at www.dugankramer.com

David was born Aug. 22, 1944 at Fort Riley, Kansas to Leroy A. and Amelia E. (Wallar) Swires. The family moved to the Brush, Colorado area where David received his education. He worked for several farmers in the area before enlisting in the United States Army on June 22, 1967. He served during the Vietnam Conflict until his honorable discharge on March 2, 1970. David was most proud of his service to his country. He was a member of an elite group of Airborne Rangers known as LRRP. He received numerous ribbons, citations and medals for his service including the Purple Heart.

Upon his discharge, David worked for Lapaseotes Farms in the Bridgeport area. He was united in marriage to Winona Miller on June 17, 1978 at Big Springs. The couple made their home in the Broadwater area before moving to Scottsbluff. David worked for various farm families in the Valley including Anest, Rahmig, and Schaneman Brothers. He also worked for Lockwood Corporation until it closed and he was a truck driver for the sugar beet rehaul season for several years.

David wanted the fastest cars money could buy. He owned and restored several Mustangs along with his son Lee. David could fix or build anything. He took tremendous pride in his yard.

David is survived by his wife Winona Swires; son Lee Swires and granddaughter Jordin of Scottsbluff; step-son Rod (Fran) Kayton of Colorado Springs, Colorado; step-daughter Kristine (Dana) Wendelin of Lincoln; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; mother Amelia Cyriacks of Bayard; brothers Al Swires and Mark (Carol) Swires all of Bridgeport; sister Laura Green of Brush, Colorado; and several extended family members.

David was preceded in death by his father Leroy, daughter Julie, brother John, and sister Stella Call.