<p><em>David Albin Boris</em> was a devoted son, brother, uncle and husband. A natural leader born with the quiet determination that attracts others to follow, he was loyal to the core and never wavered in his commitments. He touched the lives of many in his 30 years, and we are all better for having known him. Never one to be overly dramatic, he would consider that enough description of his time with us. We do not.<br />A proud son of Pottsville, PA, Dave embodied the fire and grit of his hometown. In high school, he excelled in all areas. As an honor student, he took the hardest classes, was selected as captain of his varsity soccer and swimming teams, and found many ways to lead at school. Also active in his church as an altar boy, Dave was an absolute fixture in his hometown, and it was no surprise when his appointment to West Point was announced.<br />Dave entered West Point fully focused on developing as a leader. However, he understood the necessity of first learning to follow and went about this initial task with his customary drive knowing his strong will would see him through to his goals. <br />A proud “intramural warrior,” Dave mixed competition with development whenever he could. He found a passion pushing the limits with his Sandhurst Teams, but always found ways to get back out on the soccer field or mix it up in the gym for some full contact racquetball with “the boys.” He stayed active in the church as well, volunteering with the Knights of Columbus during all four years.<br />There never seemed to be any doubt for Dave as to what subject he would major in or what branch he would choose. In Dave’s mind, West Point was an engineering school, so why would anyone choose something else? That’s where the challenge was, a challenge he would meet head on as a mechanical engineering major. As for Branch Night, Armor ruled the battlefield for Dave. No equivocation and no second-guessing, Dave knew he wanted to fight tanks. Once Dave locked in these two major decisions, there was only one decision left—it was one that was years in the making, and he approached it with his highest level of persistence—when and how would he marry his high school sweetheart?<br />To those that knew them well, they were simply “Dave and Jaime.” You really didn’t mention one without the other because they so clearly belonged together. They dated in high school for two years before Jaime left for college in Delaware and, a year later, Dave left for the Academy. They dated throughout college, one or the other making the long drive up and down I-95 for long weekends, formal events, and even a presidential inauguration. It wasn’t easy, but Dave and Jaime were devoted to each other and to making this long-distance relationship work. They found their way through the college years together, deeply committed to each other, rock-solid members of the Two-Percent Club, and ready to begin married life in Killeen, TX. There was no better place to be an armor officer than Fort Hood, TX, so that’s where Dave and Jaime started their Army life together.<br />Dave’s performance as an officer reflected the four years he spent preparing to lead soldiers. As a junior officer at Fort Hood, he realized his passion for leading a tank platoon. He was a proud member of the 1st Cavalry Division and quickly internalized the camaraderie of being part of the “First Team.” Dave was a great platoon leader, earning his Stetson and spurs; but, more importantly, earning the respect of his soldiers and NCOs. <br />After the career course, Dave and Jaime continued their journey in Schweinfurt, Germany. Although the queue was long, Dave knew commanding a company would be a major highlight in his career and a crucible experience for the many leadership lessons he had accumulated. During his three years on staff, Dave and Jaime channeled their energy into a major event together: running the Berlin Marathon. It was a major accomplishment for both of them and another example of the joy they found together. <br />Following his time on staff, Dave assumed command of Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry. His Troop motto was “On Point,” and there could be no better description of Dave’s impact as Anvil 6. He would be leading men in combat, a reality he accepted and embraced. He had high standards and trained his Troopers hard to prepare them for their deployment. His final mission involved leading his Troop along a dangerous route in Bermel, Afghanistan. Even knowing the outcome, Dave would have chosen no other place to be than with his Troopers in the most difficult of circumstances.<br />Dave loved his family. He was forever grateful for the loving environment in which he was raised and the values bestowed upon him by his parents, Al and Diana, and sister, Jen. They inspired his core value of selfless service, which strengthened with his love for Jaime and his realization that he was a born leader. This grew over the years into a calling to lead soldiers in the most demanding and dangerous situations. He was always there for them, at the front, demonstrating the courage and tenacity he grew up with. Those of us who had the pleasure of joining him for a portion of his journey deeply miss him and frequently think about him with that grin on his face, relaxing with a Yuengling, ready to lead his Troopers on their next mission.</p>