Honoring Service, Legacy, and Compassion: A Veterans Day Tribute to Eugene “Red” McDaniel

When we at ACCfamily talk about our reason for being, we often speak about family, dignity, love, and service. Yet behind those words lies a life that truly embodies them—a life that has shaped our company’s mission and continues to inspire everything we do. That life belongs to Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel, U.S. Navy (Ret.), our founder and the heart behind ACCfamily.

Born on September 27, 1931, in Kinston, North Carolina, Red McDaniel grew up as the eldest of eight children in a tobacco sharecropping family. His upbringing taught him the value of perseverance, faith, and responsibility—qualities that would serve him well throughout his life. A gifted athlete, he turned down opportunities to play semi-professional baseball to pursue higher education, ultimately leading him toward a lifelong calling to serve his country.

After attending Campbell Junior College and Elon College, Red joined the U.S. Navy and trained as an aviator. His career took him across the world, flying the A-6A Intruder aircraft as part of Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35). On May 19, 1967, during an Alpha strike on Văn Điển, south of Hanoi, his plane was shot down during Operation Rolling Thunder. He was captured and spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.

During his captivity, Red endured unthinkable hardship and isolation, yet his spirit remained unbroken. He became known among his fellow prisoners for his faith, leadership, and courage—qualities that would define his life both during and after his release on March 4, 1973. Over his distinguished military career, he earned numerous commendations, including the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel’s plane going down after being shot on May 19, 1967, during an Alpha strike on Văn Điển, south of Hanoi, in North Vietnam during Operation Rolling Thunder.

After returning home, Red dedicated himself to advocacy and public service. He became a national voice for veterans and POW/MIA issues, founded the American Defense Institute, and spoke across the country about freedom, faith, and perseverance. His story inspired countless people to find strength in adversity and hope in hardship.

After returning to the skies as a naval aviator, he went on to command the USS Niagara Falls and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. His distinguished career culminated as the U.S. Navy Liaison to the House of Representatives, serving as the Navy and Marine Corps’ key voice in Congress.

Red later shared his journey in his book, Scars and Stripes: The True Story of One Man’s Courage Facing Death as a POW in Vietnam. In it, he reflects on the pain and purpose of his captivity, offering a message of faith, resilience, and redemption. His story is not only one of survival—it’s one of transformation, forgiveness, and leadership through service.

In 1994, Red’s life took a new direction when his family faced the challenge of finding quality care for an aging loved one. Struggling to find the level of compassion and excellence they sought, the McDaniel family decided to create it themselves. That experience became the foundation of ACCfamily—a company built on the same values that guided Red’s life: love, service, and respect for every individual.

Today, Red continues to be part of our story—not just as a founder, but as an ongoing inspiration. He still participates in our company’s vision, speaks with our team, and, in a beautiful full-circle moment, he and his wife Dorothy are now clients of ACCfamily. The same standard of dignity and care that he built our company upon now comes back to serve him.

Today, Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel continues to inspire and lead ACCfamily with the same bravery, compassion, and dedication that have defined his life of service.

Red’s legacy reminds us that our mission is about more than just care—it’s about connection, honor, and humanity. His example calls us to love and serve not just as professionals, but as people united by compassion.

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we are proud to honor Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel—his courage in service, his strength in faith, and his heart for others. His story continues to inspire our work every day, guiding us to serve with excellence, dignity, and love.

On this Veterans Day, we honor Captain McDaniel and all those who have served our country with courage and devotion. Their sacrifices allow us the freedom to live, work, and care for one another with purpose.

We are proud to be veteran-founded and family-operated, and we carry that sense of honor and service into everything we do—from caring for our clients and supporting their families to nurturing the caregivers who make our mission possible.

To every veteran, and to every family who has supported one, thank you. Your strength, faith, and service inspire everything we do.