TAPS Military Mentor of the Year: Daniel Davenport

Staff Sergeant Daniel Davenport was born in Vallejo, Calif. He joined the Army in October of 2002 and attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Benning, Ga. followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Gordon, Ga. to become a Signal Support Systems Specialist.

During his career, SSG Davenport has served as a Signal Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader, Color Guard NCOIC, Secure Voice Operator and Greater DC Presidential Radio Lead. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11-12. 

SSG Davenport has been assigned to the following units: 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) in Arlington, Va.; 1st Armored Division 3rd Brigade in Ft. Bliss, Texas; Senior Soloist on the United States Army Drill Team at Fort Myer, Va. and is currently assigned as Vice Presidential Radio Lead at the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), in Washington D.C.

SSG Davenport’s military and civilian education includes the Army Mobile Retention Training Course, Field Sanitation Course, Army Combat Life Savers Course, WHCA Console Control Operator, Wideband Radio Technician Level 4 Course, Assistant Presidential Communications Officer Course, the Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, and the Senior Leaders Course. He has completed 54 credit hours with Central Texas College towards an Associate’s Degree in General Studies.

SSG Davenport’s awards and decorations include the Presidential Service Badge, Superior Unit Award, Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (4th award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (number 3 device), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge.

Daniel began serving as a TAPS Mentor in 2013 at the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, and has supported TAPS events ever since, touching the lives of so many surviving children. His hobbies include volunteering with TAPS and dancing.