McKinley’s love of history and military leaders drew him towards service, but it was his mentors in JROTC that recognized his potential and helped set the conditions for his entrance to West Point.
McKinley was given opportunities to succeed, but he earned his success. Through late nights of studying and harassing his roommates for assistance McKinley demonstrated his drive to never quit and his unwillingness to let down those that had invested in him.
McKinley took the lessons he learned in growing up in Atlanta, in JROTC, and at West Point and applied them to his role as an Armor Officer.
McKinley deployed to Iraq with 3/3 ID. Fighting in the initial invasion in 2003 and returning again in 2005.
McKinley would transition from active duty to serve in the Georgia National Guard and later transition from the Guard to serve in the Reserves.
Returning the gift of mentorship that was paid forward to him throughout his life.
This is his story.
