Aide de Camp David Cates

David Cates is a native Tennessean. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1976 and attended boot camp at Parris Island. He then reported to Delta Company, 4th CEB at Knoxville, Tennessee where he served as a Combat Engineer until 1979. He then enlisted in the United State Navy for Nuclear Operator training becoming an Emergency Welder and Ship’s Machinist. He qualified in submarines in 1982 onboard USS INDIANAPOLIS (SSN-697) during a deployment to the Indian Ocean also being initiated a Shellback. He is a Plank Owner on USS ALABAMA (SSBN-731) and USS MARYLAND (SSBN-738). In 1989 he was initiated a Chief Petty Officer and also received his BS from The University of the State of New York. He retired with 22 years of total service onboard USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) in 1998.

Upon his retirement, David and his wife Terri started Cates Insurance Agency, Inc. in Knoxville, Tennessee as Allstate Insurance Company agents. In 2001 they added David Cates Agency, Inc. in Sweetwater, Tennessee. David has won Rookie of the Year, Star Performer, Honor Ring and Chairman’s Conference Awards with Allstate.

David is a life member of the Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment #924 in Knoxville, Tennessee and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs with the degree of Pedigreed Devil Dog. He has served as Junior Vice Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant and Commandant of his Detachment. In the MODD he has served as Dog Robber, Senior Vice Pound Keeper and Pound Keeper of Smoky Mountain Pound 271 and Watch Dog, Junior Vice Pack Leader and Senior Vice Pack Leader of the Tennessee Pack. For the Department of Tennessee he has served as Junior Vice Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant, and Commandant 2007-2009 and is currently the Junior Past Commandant. He is currently serving as Southeast Division Aide De Camp, Chairman Administrative Review Committee, and is a member of the Scholarship Committee.

Besides the Marine Corps League and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, David is a life member of United State Submarine Veterans Inc, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association and a member of the American Legion. He is also a Master Mason and Shiner.

David and his wife Terri have been married 13 years and have one daughter, Callie.