[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BOYD McDANIELS III

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KWEISI MFUME

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2021

  Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to call attention to 
the passing of First Sergeant Boyd McDaniels III, a Fellow Brother 
Mason and friend to all that would come to know him. His funeral 
services are taking place as I speak.
  First Sergeant McDaniels was a dedicated and highly accomplished 
soldier who served in several high-profile conflicts, including Desert 
Storm I and II, Operation Iraqi Freedom and several other classified 
missions. A skilled soldier, Boyd rose through the ranks of the Army 
and served in both the famed 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne 
Division and was also a trained marksman. He received his training in 
lithography at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he also served years later 
as a drill sergeant.
  Boyd was a highly decorated veteran who served with great honor and 
distinction. During his service, he was the recipient of two Bronze 
Star Awards. Among his other military honors was a U.S. flag, Service 
Star, Office Star Professional Badge, Basic Marks, Quail Badge, Global 
War on Terrorism Expeditionary Badge, Parachutist Terrorism Service 
Medal, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint 
Meritorious Unit Award and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
  The Army is also where Boyd met his future wife and the love of his 
life, Deborah, when they were both serving in Germany. He retired from 
the U.S. Military on June 1, 2003.
  Boyd was also called to another type of service while serving in the 
military: becoming active in two fraternal organizations. While in 
Germany he joined the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of North 
America becoming the lodge's youngest ever ``Most Worshipful Grand 
Master.'' He would later rise to the rank of 33rd degree. He was also a 
member of Shriners International.
  Boyd was a huge Dallas Cowboys and avid South Carolina Gamecocks 
football fan. He also loved his Lamar High School Silver Foxes, his 
alma mater (Class of 1984). Gregarious, outgoing and the life of the 
party, Boyd loved to have a good time and wanted others to enjoy 
themselves as well.
  Family was the most important thing to him. He talked to his mom 
every day and adored his wife and two sons. They were the center of his 
universe.
  First Sergeant McDaniels leaves to mourn his passing a wife, Deborah 
McDaniels of Columbia, S.C.; two sons Bryan McDaniels of Columbia, S.C. 
and Ryan McDaniels of Rock Hill, S.C.; his parents, Rev. Boyd McDaniel, 
Jr. and Mamie Lee McDaniels of Darlington, S.C.; three siblings, Tara 
(Michael) Bines of Columbia, S.C., Zachary (Andrea) McDaniels of 
Baltimore, MD, Connie (Troy) McDaniels Williams of Florence S.C.; and 
sister-in-law Charlene Swain (David) and two brothers-in-law, Troy 
(Linda) Cummings and Ronald Cummings of Eatonton, GA. He also has eight 
nieces and nephews--Marcus, Kyla, Kelsen, Chelsea, Kiera, Kevis, Emma 
and Troy Jr. Mr. McDaniels was preceded in death by two siblings, Robin 
Lee Williams and Phillip ``Ricky'' Rueben.
  May Boyd's soul rest in peace.

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