Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel David L. Gillespie, is a debut-author of the award-winning children’s picture book, “Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue.”
David began his professional career after earning his commission in the United States Air Force through Florida State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He went on to serve in a wide range of executive and operational intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles around the world from 1987 to 2007. During his distinguished military career, David deployed in six major operational conflicts and campaigns, including Operation DESERT STORM; the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) peacekeeping mission in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Operation NORTHERN WATCH in Turkey; the Republic of Korea campaign; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; and service as a senior intelligence advisor in Kabul, Afghanistan, supporting NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
David currently serves as Executive Vice President of The Integrity Group, based in Tallahassee, Florida. Immediately prior to joining The Integrity Group, David served as Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation, where he led efforts to secure Florida’s long-term economic success. In this role, he managed and advanced the Six Pillars Framework and the 39 goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint—a comprehensive strategic roadmap designed to guide Florida’s growth toward becoming a top-10 global economy by 2030, while preserving the state’s quality of life, brand, and reputation for the benefit of more than 22 million residents, 130 million annual visitors, and all 67 Florida counties.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, David and his family returned to his hometown of Tallahassee. It was there that he embarked on a new creative journey—authoring his first children’s picture book inspired by the imagination of his two daughters, Hunter and Sarah. His debut title, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue!, is a joyful, read-aloud story featuring playful rhythm, gentle humor, and heartfelt moments that emphasize themes of love, responsibility, and problem-solving.
David is now an award-winning author, having received the International Firebird Book Award, and his book earned the coveted “Our Verdict: GET IT!” designation from Kirkus Reviews, one of the most respected and discerning voices in the publishing industry.
David welcomes opportunities to share his debut-author journey with aspiring writers, readers, and audiences of all ages. For book purchasing information or to contact David, please visit www.FlooFlockyDoo.com.
Listen to “David L. Gillespie Firebird Book Award Winner FLOO FLOCKY DOO TO THE RESCUE” on Spreaker.