Most Excellent Companion
David G Rathgeber
Grand High Priest
Royal Arch Masons of California
David was born in Amityville, NY in 1955. He is a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel,
whose military occupational specialties include Surface to Air Missiles, Air Command and
Control, and Communications. For his last tour of duty he taught Strategic and Operational
Planning at the Three Star staff level as a member of the MAGTF Staff Training Program Team.
His personal military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal,
the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement medal.
David holds several University degrees. He has a Bachelor of Music Education, a Bachelor of
Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Technical Careers. He holds an MBA and a Master of
Military Arts and Sciences. He also earned a Doctorate in Business Administration in 2007.
David has a very active Masonic life. He was raised in Pinatubo Lodge Number 52, San Narcisso, Zambales, Republic of the Philippines in April of 1983. He is a Past Master of Vista Lodge Number 687, and is Inspector at Large for Division 9 North for the Grand Lodge of California.
In the York Right, he is a member of San Diego Commandery No. 25 Knights Templar, and Helix Council No. 58 Cryptic Masons. He is a Past High Priest of Triangle Chapter Royal Arch Masons (now Jerrold A. Wohlfarth Chapter). He is also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, the
York Rite College, and the Allied Masonic Degrees.
In the Scottish Rite, he is a member of the Valley of San Diego. He was Coroneted a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary, in September of 2023. He is also a member of Al Bahr Shrine.
He is an Executive Director on the Board of Directors for Veterans Thrift Stores San Diego, and is an Ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation providing resources and information for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers.
Just for fun he holds a 6 th degree black belt in traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu, and was the national silver medalist in combat SOMBO submission fighting. He also spent 5 years as a licensed Professional Mixed Martial Arts Judge. He has won a total of four gold medals in two World
Championships in Kettlebell Sport.
David is married to Colonel Nancy Rathgeber, USMC Retired, go to walk next who’s passion is breeding and showing Samoyed dogs. David has three children and five grandchildren.