David W. Gay

David William Gay

Education Gay earned Associate of Science degrees in general studies and in law enforcement from Manchester Community College. He then received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. Gay also attended courses at the National Defense University, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Air University and the United States Army War College.

He spent the early part of his career in the 1st Missile Battalion, becoming a battery commander. He transferred to the infantry in 1971, remaining there until 1977. He continued to rise through the ranks and served a two-year active duty tour as the United States Property & Fiscal Officer (USPFO) from 1989 to 1992. He was confirmed as a United States Army Reserve brigadier general on March 11, 1993. After Gay completed Gereski's term, Governor Weicker appointed him to a full four-year term effective July 1, 1994. He continued to serve as Adjutant General under Governor John G. Rowland until May 31, 1999, when he retired.

Under his command, the Connecticut National Guard was active in community service programs orientated towards children. He began the “Drug Demand Reduction Program" with offshoot programs such as "Take Charge", "Character Counts Coalition" and "Aviation Role Models for Youth". His highest military award received is the Defense Service Metal. Civilian awards include: National Award for Americanism from UNICO, Center of Influence Award from California Institute of Ethics.

Personal David W. Gay married his wife Nancy on September 30, 1962, in Hartford. Together they have three children: David Jr. born July 27, 1963, Jennifer born March 10, 1965, and Stephen born on May 30, 1969. He has eight grandchildren, Sara, Kate, Emily, Caitlin, Anna, Matthew, Callie and Shannah.