With great sadness, we announce the passing of our Executive Director, Brigadier General David E. Greer. General Greer passed away on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. He was 69 years old.

 

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, General Greer graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1972 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery Corps. After active duty with the Second Armored Division at Ft. Hood, Texas, he transitioned to the United States Army Reserve, then to the Tennessee Army National Guard and served in various command and staff positions within the 30th Separate Armored Brigade, the 196th Field Artillery Brigade, and State Headquarters. He served as the Deputy Commanding General at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, OK, and culminated his career as the Land Component Commander of the Tennessee Army National Guard. He also served as President of the National Guard Association of Tennessee. He was the recipient of numerous major awards and decorations for invaluable service to his country over his 36-year military career.

​

After retirement from the Armed Forces in 2008, General Greer worked for the State Department with the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team. He met his wife, Susan at a work conference; they were married in Baghdad in a security compound in 2009, while they were working for the US State Department there.

​

In 2011, the Greers moved back to Maine and retired, but David’s work was not over. In 2012, he was asked to head American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East and served as Executive Director until his death.

​

Retired U.S. Army Colonel John Busterud and others who served with General Greer on the American FRMME board, remember him as “the embodiment of a servant-leader.” Colonel Busterud continues “General Greer leaves a legacy of distinguished service to A-FRRME and to the marginalized Christians of the Middle East.”

​

Former Ambassador Richard Swett remembers that he “not only made the trains run on time, he did it with class and consistency that made everyone feel secure that we could efficiently use all our resources for the important work at hand.” Swett adds “He was a gentleman of great character whom I and many others will dearly miss, although we will keep him close always in our hearts and minds.”

​

Connie Wilson, founder of Global Capital Connections, describes General Greer as an “American patriot and friend of God. Throughout difficult times with our organization, David always was the pillar that didn’t falter, pouring out categoric wisdom that made sense and brought stability. He always had time for anyone who called upon him and came up with ideas for resolving issues with leadership – but no intimidation.”

​

General Greer had a strong Christian faith and attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ben Lomond, California.

At the time of his death, General Greer lived in Santa Cruz, California. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Kathryn Harvey, her husband Chad and their son Caleb, and stepson, Richard Depolo.

​

We’re so grateful for General Greer’s years of service for American FRRME.

Please join us in praying for General Greer’s family at this time.