Dan Kaster
Swim coach, teacher, and military instructor Dan Kaster has maintained involvement in many academic, professional, athletic, and charitable endeavors throughout his career. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Dan Kaster was an athletic standout, playing key roles for the Eagles’ varsity men’s swimming and water polo teams.
After graduating from UW-La Crosse with a Bachelor’s degree in English Education in 1982, Dan Kaster went on to secure a position as a Wellness and Fitness Instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay. At NWTC, he both designed and taught nutrition, exercise, aerobics, and swimming classes.
Dan Kaster then joined the United States Air Force and trained as a Combat Controller, serving in the 1723 Special Tactics Squadron (Air Force Special Operations Command) at Hurlburt Field in Okaloosa County, Florida. Over the span of five years, Dan Kaster completed training in various aspects of air traffic control for a combat environment and graduated from a wide range of programs offered by the Air Force, Army, and Navy. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Dan Kaster earned a Bronze Star Medal with Valor device for his actions in the mission to reacquire the United States Embassy in Kuwait.
After ending his active duty status in 1992, Dan Kaster began his career as a teacher and swim coach at Niceville High School in Florida. During his 17 years at Niceville High, he taught courses in English and drama, oversaw more than 20 student productions of plays and musicals, and earned his Master’s degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Troy University, Fort Walton Beach Area. As head swim coach at Niceville High School, Dan Kaster founded the swim team and subsequently turned it into one of the most successful programs in the state, featuring many All-County and All-American swimmers. As the swimming coach at Niceville High School, Dan Kaster helped his swimmers obtain athletic scholarships at top colleges, winning several Coach of the Year Awards in the process.
In 2009, Dan Kaster left Niceville High School and accepted an offer to work as a Special Operations Instructor at Pope Field in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His ability to organize and visualize multiple influences led to the leadership asking him to take on the duties of a Facility Manager along with his duties as instructor. Dan Kaster continues to improve upon a brand-new, state-of-the-art, training facility at Pope Field.
Recognized for his service to the community, Dan Kaster has volunteered his time, energy, and resources to a wide range of charitable causes. Over the years, Dan Kaster has provided free swimming lessons to members of the military community, teaching adults and children in group and individual lessons. When not working, Dan Kaster enjoys many recreational activities, from hiking to reading. Dan Kaster resides in North Carolina.
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