Governor Patrick Thanks Swansea Native for National Guard Service

Governor Deval Patrick welcomed the retiring State Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the Massachusetts National Guard David Costa, a Swansea resident, to congratulate him on his retirement and to thank him for his 44 years of exemplary service in the United States Army and the Massachusetts Army National Guard Thursday.

CSM Costa began his military service with his enlistment in 1969 and deployed to Vietnam in 1970 as a cavalry scout with the 1st Calvary Division. He is the last active duty service member from the Massachusetts National Guard who is a Vietnam Veteran.

During his service as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard he has served in a number of positions, notably, CSM, 51st Troop Command; Operations Sergeant Major, 51st Troop Command; Operations Sergeant Major, 211th Military Police Battalion (including service as the acting CSM, Task Force Enforcer, Fallujah, Iraq); CSM, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment; and First Sergeant, 1058th Transportation Company. In addition to his service in Vietnam, CSM Costa also deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with V Device, as well as one silver and three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and the Combat Action Badge. 

As the State Command Sergeant Major, CSM Costa served as The Adjutant General’s personal advisor for all enlisted-related issues, particularly those affecting training and quality of life. He traveled throughout the Commonwealth observing training and talking to Soldiers, Airmen and their families.