Colonel (Ret.) Shawn Daniel is a 1993 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he served as First Captain of the Corps of Cadets. He went on to a distinguished career in the United States Army. On the night of October 19, 2001, he led the first American combat troops to parachute into Afghanistan—seizing Objective Rhino and opening the ground campaign of Operation Enduring Freedom in the south. Over the course of his career, Colonel Daniel would deploy once to Iraq and seven times to Afghanistan.

In 2022, the Ranger community recognized that lifetime of leadership and sacrifice by inducting him into the Ranger Hall of Fame.

But Colonel Daniel’s service did not end when he took off the uniform. He returned home to Arkansas and founded Darby’s Warrior Support—named for William O. Darby, the Arkansas native who created the modern Rangers in World War II. Through this organization, Shawn has spent the last decade providing free, all-inclusive hunting and fishing experiences for post-9/11 special operations veterans. His belief is simple and powerful: nature heals. The results speak for themselves—hundreds of warriors have walked through his doors, and not one has been lost to suicide.

In a year when we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is only fitting that we hear from an American hero who has fought to keep us free and lead thousands of others in battle, but who fights just as hard to support those heroes and their families when they come home, just like the citizen-soldiers of 1776.

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the leadership principles demonstrated through military service and veteran advocacy.
2. Discuss how servant leadership contributes to organizational culture and long-term success.
3. Examine the significance of America's 250th anniversary through the lens of leadership, service, and national resilience.
4. Reflect on ways leadership lessons from military service can be applied to professional and personal development.