MCF

Independence Day is about celebrating true American heroes and one such hero whose illustrious career and reputation precedes him is U.S. Army General William "Jerry" Boykin.  General Boykin was one of the original members of the U.S. Army's Delta Force and was privileged to ultimately lead these elite warriors in multiple combat operations. Later, Gen. Boykin would eventually be in command of all the Army's Green Berets as well as the Special Warfare Center and School. In all, Gen. Boykin spent 36 years in the United States Army, serving his last four years as the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.

General Boykin in uniform

Here are some amazing highlights of his career:

• He served as Undersecretary of Defense Intelligence under President Bush [son] 2002-2007;
• He served 36 years in the United States military;
• He was in the 1980 Iran hostage rescue mission attempt under President Carter;
• He was in the 1983 rescue invasion mission of Grenada [President Reagan];
• He was in the 1989 Panama mission to apprehend Manuel Noriega [President Bush – father];
• He was in the 1992 hunt for drug lord Pablo Escobar in Colombia [President Bush – father];
• He was in the 1993 ‘Black Hawk Down’ mission in Somalia [President Clinton];
• He helped Attorney General Janet Reno regarding the standoff at Waco, Texas vs. the branch Davidians;
• He was an advisor to Senator Ted Cruz’s 2016 Presidential campaign;
• He along with 88 other retired Generals & Admirals endorsed President Donald Trump;
• He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery and the Purple Heart for his wounding during battle;
• He was an original member and eventually Commander of the Army’s Delta Force;
• He also became the Commander of the Army’s Green Berets;
• He was in the CIA;
• Wounded: he was hit in the chest and arm by a .50 caliber anti-aircraft round during Grenada;
• He served most of his time in Special Operations; including Delta Force, Rangers, and Special Forces;
• Football: Virginia Tech on a football scholarship [defensive lineman];
• He fought in Vietnam;
• He is an ordained minister and he has a passion for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and he is a strong advocate that we are warriors in God’s kingdom;
• Wife Ashley; 5 children; 6 grandchildren.