CSM David W. Draughn (USA, Retired) was an American hero with a passion for educating, mentoring, and fostering a love of learning in young people.  After spending nearly 30 years serving his country in the United States Army, David continued his service  as a high school teacher.  First as a JROTC Army instructor in Palm Beach County, Florida, and then as the Senior Army Instructor in Toombs County, Georgia, David chose to use his wisdom, experience, and charisma to touch the lives of thousands of young Americans.  Throughout his 13 years as a teacher, David instilled character, ethics, patriotism, and self-esteem in his students and cadets, as well as the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP).  David was an avid reader, educator, statesman, and a scholar committed to lifelong learning.  Being a man who loved and valued education, David also motivated and encouraged his cadets to pursue education and work hard to achieve their goals - be it at college or university, a trade school, a career, or in the military.  David was also a man who filled a room with his presence.  He brought charm, humor, and tremendous energy to the classroom and beyond, and brightened the day of any cadet who had the pleasure of being in his classroom or on his drill field.

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David exemplified what it means to be a transformational leader and the importance of leading from the front.  His true care and dedication meant that he took the time to get to know each of his students and cadets at the level of the individual.  In this way he was more than a teacher; he was a true mentor.  David showed every one of the young people he taught and mentored how to harness their potential to be the best version of themselves.  David taught young men and women how to be young adults, be passionate about their fellow man, and be present in the lives of others, as well as the importance of a love of country.  He pushed his cadets to demand more for themselves and to want more out of life.  David motivated young people to pursue their dreams and aspirations by being a mentor, father figure, leader, and friend.

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David was a devoted husband and loving father.  Throughout his accomplished military and educational career, his family was his rock, and their importance in his life was second-to-none.