Major Dwight D. Daniels was born in New Orleans, La. He graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland, Calif., and attended college at Northern Arizona University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. He is presently completing a Master of Science in Public Administration through Indiana State University.
MAJ Daniels enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1980 as a telecommunications center specialist. His first assignment was with the 7th Artillery Detachment in Treysa, Germany. After his enlistment in the Army, he joined the U.S. Air Force National Guard in Hayward, Calif., where he served as a radio operator from 1980–1981. From 1981–1984, Major Daniels joined the U.S. Air Force as a telecommunications center specialist with 5047th Communications Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. While at Luke AFB, MAJ Daniels received a scholarship to play football at Northern Arizona University, where he later received a commission as a second lieutenant in 1987. As a second lieutenant, MAJ Daniels’ first assignment was in the U.S. Army Reserve as a platoon leader for the 347th Transportation Company out of Phoenix, Ariz., from 1988–1990. In 1990, MAJ Daniels was selected to serve on an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) tour. His first assignment while on AGR tour was with the 630th Transportation Company in Washington, Pa., as the executive officer from 1990–1993. From 1993–1994, MAJ Daniels served as the chemical officer for the 300th Transportation Group located in Butler, Pa. His next assignment was with the 766th Transportation Battalion in Evansville, Ind. where he served as the operations officer from 1994–1997. From 1997–2000, MAJ Daniels served as an operations officer for the what is now called “Human Resources Command” (Reserves) in St. Louis, Mo. From 2000–2004, MAJ Daniels served as the chief of Transportation and Services for the 99th Regional Readiness Command located in Coraopolis, Pa., where he later retired from AGR duty. From 2005–2006, MAJ Daniels was recalled to active duty to serve with CENTCOM Headquarters in Kuwait as the chief of In-Transit Visibility.
MAJ Daniels’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (1/oak leaf), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1/oak leaf), Army Achievement Medal (2/oak leaf), Good Conduct Medal (Army and Air Force), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
Prior to arriving at IUP, MAJ Daniels was a JROTC Instructor at Oliver High School in Pittsburgh, Pa.
