Tommy Lynn McDaniel
Tommy Lynn McDaniel was born in 28-MAR 1956 Foristell Missouri. He later lived in Bridgeton and St. Louis. His parents are Samuel McDaniel and Ella Lavelle Bandy McDaniel. He has 3 siblings. Tommy is married to Theresa McDaniel and has two sons and two stepsons.
Tommy served in the Marine Corps from 1973-1975. He began his career at Camp Pendleton MCRD Boot Camp. While waiting for a flight to Japan at the West Coast Main area, he passed the time by bowling at the 13 Area Bowling alley. Outside of the bowling alley, he was mugged by fellow marines in plain clothes. He fought back by biting one of his attackers in the leg, which caused them to run off. A fellow Marine named Mike L. McDaniel witnessed the attack and assisted Tommy to the base hospital, where the men who attacked him were also being treated. Because of this event, all persons involved were put on a legal hold while the incident was investigated. Once cleared to depart, Tommy and Mike noticed their orders were accidentally switched. Mike preferred to go to Japan so Tommy agreed to go to Hawaii.
Tommy was stationed in Maui, Hawaii on Kanaio Beach where he served on an air wing crew working in supplies. He enjoyed this position, as he was able to travel by helicopter to every island. He has fond memories of traveling the mountains in the Volkswagens on the island, going to Honolulu to meet the locals, and even attending a Doobie Brothers concert in a volcano.
Tommy was stationed in Hawaii for 13 months and then returned to San Francisco where he was honorably discharged. He left the military because he was in love with a girl who turned out not to be as in love with him. Had this not happened, he would have stayed in the military another 20 years. He recalls his time in the Marines, particularly in Hawaii, as the best time of his life.