Chief Master Sergeant David A. Bear

ANG Services Association Vice President

CMS David A Bear is the Food Services Superintendent for the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Air National Guard. He is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the 121st Services Flight.

Born January 13, 1962 in Dayton Ohio. CMS Bear attended elementary school and graduated from Wilmington High School, May 1980. Attended college at Wright State University for 2 years. Graduated from Cincinnati Culinary Arts Academy Sep 1987.

CMS Bear entered the Air National Guard on January 26, 1980. His flight received “Honor Flight” while in basic training. Upon completion of basic training in May 1980, attended Air Force Cook school Lowery AFB, Denver, Colorado. Volunteered to assist in leadership in squadron by becoming a “Rope”. Returned to Rickenbacker ANGB for inactive duty. Volunteered to take charge of food service storeroom operations. Given responsibility for menu planning, ordering for 160th dining operations. Also took accountability for reporting the Dining Facility Monthly Monetary Record. Completed NCO Academy 1985, non-residence, Complete USAF Senior NCO Academy, October 2001, non-residence.

In 1986 attended first course on Food Management conducted by Air National Guard at McGhee Tyson ANGB, Knoxville TN. After completion of the course CMS Bear became an instructor and proceeded to assist in training ANG Services over a period of 17 years.

CMS Bear went to work for Hyatt Hotels upon graduation from culinary school. At Hyatt he was the Chef in charge of many different areas in the kitchen, Hyatt Regency Columbus, Gardé Mange, Banquets, Glass Garden Restaurant and Peppercorn Duck Club. At Hyatt on Capital Square Columbus, CMS Bear took responsibilities for all Banquet operations then took over the Plaza Restaurant as Chef.

He then left Hyatt Hotels and went to work for Limited Brands in Food Service. During his service with The Limited, CMS Bear changed the daily operation of Food Service to the Limited Associates. He added deli, fresh made pizza, burrito station, stir-fry, homemade desserts and multiple entrees. CMS Bear used his skills learned in the ANG by applying them to his everyday business of food service.

During his current tenure with The Limited CMS Bear has been responsible for specifications and purchasing of three (3) different new Café openings. He has also been responsible for the prime vendor bids for food purchasing since 1993. Limited Brands purchases over $3m/year in food and supplies. He is also responsible for consolidating the vending operations for Limited Brands and is current contract manager for vending totaling $1.5m in sales. Set up the contract in New York and New Jersey for office coffee and vending and maintains contract worth $300k annually.

His military experiences include Instructor of ANG in food service accounting, Staff Assistance Team (SAV) member to assist other units, member of current national food service team for ANG, POC for ANG on dining facility sanitation and current food code, assisted in planning 3 “Ohio Days” receptions in ANG Readiness Center, Andrews AFB. Planning food, layout and execution of event while adding his personal touch of Ice Carvings. In 2004 UCI led the Services Flight to an overall Excellent Rating with an Outstanding in the Food Service Portion. In 1996 participated in ORI where he was a team member of Services that received and “excellent” rating. Currently a member of Rickenbacker Disaster Response Force (DRF), EET team member representing Services during exercises. Appointed QAE for the civilian contract of service at Rickenbacker Dining Facility. Placed in charge of meals and food for the 2003 Air National Guard Adjutant Generals Conference held in Columbus Ohio. In 1982 CMS Bear was a member of the “Hennessy Award” for Dining Facilities. This was the first “Hennessy” award available to any Air National Guard unit

Activated for Operation Dessert Storm and sent to Barksdale AFB, LA. Responsible for QAE of KP Contract at Barksdale AFB during 3 month tour. Also assisted in dining facility operations and training of Airmen in food service production. Activated for Ohio flood relief and Rickenbacker twice to feed Army and Air resources during times of need. CMS Bear set up the GFS Food Delivery that was responsible for Services getting the food delivered to the Dining Facility instead of picking up the rations at WPAFB. He computerized the Dining Storeroom inventory and AF 1119 Monthly Monetary Record that is currently posted on the ANG Services Web Page for consistent evaluation. Assist ANG/SVX on numerous occasions in planning and execution of Services Conferences and regulations changes. Called to duty Sep 11, 2001 to operate SV control center, activated dining facility and had operation up and running with in 48 hours of notice. Dining facility maintained operation for 10 months at Rickenbacker ANGB.

Also during this time also called to duty and sent to Prince Sultan Air Base Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch. CMS Bear was placed in charge of Rolling Sands Dining Facility that prepared over 500,000 meals during the 3 months of duty, supporting flight meals, and 2 satellite feeding activities. Key player in 2001 Christmas Dinner that fed 8000 meals that used 2.5 tons of turkey and 1.75 tons of prime rib. Also filled in for Food Director while on leave for 3 weeks scheduling in supplies and food for the 4 dinning operations on base. Moving 36 tons in 6 days to the base operations. Also hosted numerous luncheons including Secretary of Air Force Dr. Roche and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Meyers. Received SNCO of the Quarter for SVS 363rd AEF 10. Upon returning he continued on active duty until Jul 2002 in support of ONE.

His military decorations include Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 device, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 9 devices, National Defense Medal with 1 device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service with 4 devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle), Air Force Training Ribbon.

Ohio ribbons include Ohio Distinguished Service Medal, Ohio Commendation Medal 3 Devices, Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon with 3 devices, Ohio Special Service Ribbon, Ohio Award of Merit with 3 devices, Ohio NG Basic Military Training Ribbon.

Awarded NCO of the Year for 160th ARG, 1987.

CMS Bear resides in Powell, Ohio and his wife the former Debra Brown of Vandalia Ohio. He is a lifetime member of the ANG Services Association. He is active in his community and is a member of Faith Lutheran Church and on the Board of Worship. He cooks the annual Easter Morning Breakfast for his church and assists with their spaghetti dinners. He has frequently volunteered his skills for fund raisers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Dinners, Columbus Ballet Nutcracker Dinners, Children’s Defense Fund Dinner, and NAACP Dinner. Volunteers to assist with baseball, soccer teams with his children. He has two children Matthew and Sarah of Powell, Ohio.