Mac McDaniel was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1958, in Fayette, Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 5, 1978, and completed Basic Training at Great Lakes, Illinois, in September 1978. Seaman McDaniel next completed Field Medical Service Technician (Corpsman) training in February 1979, followed by service as a Corpsman at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. Petty Officer McDaniel next trained as an Enlisted Naval Aircrew member where he flew missions on UH-1 Huey, UH-46 Sea Knight, and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters. HMC McDaniel served at NAS Argencia in Newfoundland, Canada, at Naval Station Chicopee, Massachusetts, at the Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi twice, and at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. His final assignment was at the Medical Clinic at the Construction Battalion Center at Gulfport, Mississippi, where he retired from the Navy on July 31, 2002. Mac has worked with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi, since he retired from the Navy.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.