“He is just like his daddy — very committed,” Daniels said of Hunter, who in June reported to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Brian was recently promoted to the rank of full colonel within the United States Air Force, Daniels said.

Colonel Daniels is a Roanoke Rapids native and 1989 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1993 and received his commission as second lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program.

The patriotism of the father and son is something the mother and grandmother is extremely proud of.

“My son has just succeeded greatly,” Daniels said today. “I'm just very proud of him. He's very conscientious.”

ROTC was something Colonel Daniels father, Gene, encouraged him to do. “He encouraged him to give ROTC a shot in college,” she said. “He decided that's what he wanted to do.”

Colonel Daniels has been in the Air Force for 22 years. He is married to the former Amy Fitts of Roanoke Rapids and they have eight children ranging in age from 2 to 18. “His wife, Amy, is just beautiful,” Daniels said. “We couldn't ask for a better wife or mother for our son and grandchildren. She's just exceptional.”

In addition to graduating ECU, Colonel Daniels earned an M.S. degree in Acquisition Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

He is an aircraft maintenance officer who has served in various stateside, overseas and deployed locations while maintaining the C-5, C-17, KC-10, KC-135 and C-130 aircraft.

He is presently serving as commander of the 19th Maintenance Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.

Colonel Daniels, an only child, received a great deal of attention from both his parents, Daniels said. “He was responsible for the things he did, good or bad. His dad spent a lot of time with him in sports.” His military career is a reflection of those values, she said. “He was raised in a Bible-teaching and loving church. He and Amy have a Christ-centered home. I think it's important to learn to accept responsibility.”

Cadet Daniels, the oldest child of Colonel Daniels, had a lifelong dream of going to West Point, his grandmother said. “I think it was the history of the academy. He saw that as a good opportunity for his future.”

Cadet Daniels, who is also the grandson of the late Tandy and Linda Fitts, reported to West Point on June 29.

Home-schooled, Cadet Daniels was completing concurrent college classes at Arkansas State University when he received a call from Senator Tom Cotton he earned a West Point appointment.

The next day he was notified he also earned an appointment to United States Air Force Academy.

Daniels said, “after much prayer and discussion,” her grandson chose West Point.

He received nominations from Arkansas senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman, Representative Tim Griffin and President Obama.

Daniels said her grandson is looking forward to four years of rigorous academic study and military training at West Point followed by his service in the Army. “He really excelled during his six weeks basic training. He worked hard physically and academically. It's not easy to get a presidential recommendation.”