Warfighter Wednesday - Dave Slivka

November 12, 2025 – This Warfighter Wednesday, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Ignite’s Director of Space Operations, Dave Slivka.

Before beginning his civilian career, Mr. Slivka proudly served in the United States Army for 25 years, holding a variety of leadership and technical roles.

During his military career, Dave served as both a 13A Field Artillery and 49A Operations Research and Systems Analyst (ORSA) – roles that uniquely blend tactical expertise with analytical precision. As a Field Artillery Officer, he brought geometry, timing, and a healthy respect for blast radius – math with consequences. As an ORSA, he brought logic, probability, and turned data into insight. Together, these experiences shaped a leader who balances mission execution with data-driven decision-making – a combination that defines his leadership at Ignite today.

Lessons from Service

“The Army taught me that honor and integrity aren’t virtues of convenience; they’re non-negotiable, said Dave. “You either live by them, or you don’t. Trust is the currency of leadership, and it’s earned slowly, but can vanish in an instant. And above all, I learned that nothing matters more than the people to your left and right. Missions change, terrain shifts, plans fail — but people endure. The strength of any unit, any team, or any nation comes from that unspoken bond of trust and selfless service.”

“Real Leadership isn’t about authority or personality; it’s about accountability, loyalty, and never letting those who depend on you down.”

With Veterans Day this week, we asked Dave what Veterans Day means to him,

“Veterans Day reminds me that freedom isn’t inherited, it’s safeguarded every day. Each generation has answered that call, and it’s the quiet acknowledgment that freedom endures because ordinary men and women do extraordinary things.”

Family means Everything

In 2015, Dave re-deployed early from Afghanistan and decided to surprise his kids at their elementary school. Coincidently, the school was hosting an event honoring deployed parents. Disguised as the school mascot, Dave removed the oversized mascot head mid-assembly – leaving his kids speechless.

“The kids did not know what to think at first – their reactions were priceless.”

Military Service is Family Business!

Military service is a family tradition at Team Slivka.

Both Dave and his wife, Erin, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and come from long lines of service members. Their oldest son continues that legacy today as a Civil Affairs Noncommissioned Officer; while their twins are juniors at West Point set to be commissioned in the Army as 2LTs in May 2027. His youngest is a high school junior and has not ruled out playing D1 soccer for either Army or Air Force.

Unharnessed Potential: Empowering Veterans Through the Healing Power of Horses.

Having both served and seen firsthand the challenges veterans face after service, Dave and Erin founded Unharnessed Potential, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans geal and rediscover purpose through equine-assisted learning and therapy.

Every horse in their care is a rescue—many with their own stories of hardship. That shared experience creates a powerful bond with participants, allowing authentic breakthroughs in a space free of judgment and full of empathy.

The impact: participants report reduced anxiety and trauma symptoms, stronger relationships, and renewed hope. Guided by licensed professionals, certified equine specialists, and a passionate community, Unharnessed Potential helps veterans and their families heal, grow, and thrive—one life, one horse, one moment at a time.

Cost: 100% FREE to Veterans—tell a Veteran!

Learn More: Equine Mental Health Therapy | Unharnessed Potential | United State

Daves Favorite Motto:

Duty Honor Country