How Did I Get Here

Let’s start the Journey of McGill’s History. Well, my name is Michael McGill, and I proudly call Long Beach, Mississippi, my home. I was born and raised in this community, where I discovered my passion for service early on. As a young boy, I joined the Law Enforcement Explorers program. This experience gave me a glimpse into law enforcement, marking the beginning of my journey in public service.

Early Career

At 21, I joined the Long Beach Police Department because I wanted to protect and serve my neighbors. Just two years later, I took a bold step and enlisted in the United States Army in the Field Artillery as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Specialist. For the next 20 years, I dedicated myself to service in the Combat Arms fields. My military career took me around the globe—from the harsh landscapes of Iraq and Africa to the tense borders of the Korean Peninsula. There, I witnessed humanity’s best and worst, experiences that strengthened my resolve to make a difference.

One guiding motto has shaped my path: “If you have the ability to respond, then it is your responsibility.” This belief influenced every decision and mission throughout my career.

Military Service

Throughout my military career, I took on a variety of roles that allowed me to make a significant impact both at home and abroad. My journey included multiple combat deployments, where I faced difficult and dangerous situations, earning the Combat Action Badge after surviving three IED attacks and other direct combat engagements. I also served in the Republic of Korea, stationed on the North Korean border, where constant vigilance was essential to safeguarding our nation.

I spent four years as an Army Recruiter in New Jersey, helping individuals transform their lives by joining the Army. In this role, I was proud to offer people a new path, empowering them to escape circumstances that could have led to negative outcomes. My recruitment statistics were consistently among the best in the area, reflecting my dedication to providing individuals with an opportunity for personal growth and a brighter future.

During my last two assignments in South Korea, I managed all ammunition, missiles, and explosives, along with the storage bunkers crucial for the defense of the region. My team and I were recognized as the most efficient and responsive in deploying ammunition across the peninsula, underscoring the importance of readiness and precision.

While deployed to Africa, I completed the French Foreign Legion Course and desert survival training, enhancing my ability to handle the unique challenges of that environment. My mission in Africa involved Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations to recover aircraft and personnel behind enemy lines. As part of a Joint Search & Rescue team, I collaborated with the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international special operations units, emphasizing the power of teamwork in high-stakes scenarios.

I also received extensive training throughout my service, becoming qualified as an Arctic Survival Instructor, a Designated Marksman, a Close Quarters Combat Instructor, and a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Pilot Instructor. These skills not only contributed to mission success but also allowed me to mentor other soldiers, passing on essential knowledge and skills.

In addition to my combat and operational roles, I served as a Command Financial Officer, helping soldiers develop successful financial plans. I took great pride in assisting them with debt management and retirement planning, empowering them to build a secure financial future.

Throughout my service, I earned numerous awards and citations, recognizing my combat achievements and humanitarian work with underserved communities. Supporting vulnerable populations remains a guiding principle in my life and a mission that continues to shape my path forward.

Community Impact

Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to the service of others, creating and supporting a variety of initiatives that improve the lives of underserved individuals and communities. A primary focus of my humanitarian efforts has been to combat human trafficking, a cause close to my heart. In my efforts to assist in the fight against human trafficking, I helped establish a nonprofit organization specifically aimed at supporting FBI Academy graduates in Mississippi. This organization works with law enforcement agencies to provide training and resources for detecting human trafficking, empowering officers with the tools and knowledge they need to combat this growing issue.

Additionally, I co-founded a nonprofit organization that works to identify the remains of lost children and return them to their families. This organization also collaborates with law enforcement to improve the understanding of missing persons cases and to provide families with closure and support in their darkest hours. These efforts reflect my broader commitment to enhancing public safety and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.

Beyond these projects, I have led multiple large-scale initiatives aimed at supporting communities in need. For example, I helped deliver 250,000 meals to the victims of Hurricane Michael, providing relief to Florida’s Panhandle in the wake of its devastating destruction. Over the years, I have also been involved in delivering hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid to other hurricane-ravaged areas, ensuring that families have access to critical supplies in the aftermath of natural disasters.

My dedication to service extends to local communities, where I have helped restock food banks in Long Beach, Mississippi, and Lawton, Oklahoma, ensuring that no one goes hungry in times of need. I have also worked with local schools to provide students with school supplies, uniforms, and resources, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have an equal opportunity to succeed in their education.

In addition to my work in human trafficking prevention and disaster relief, I have also focused on advocating for the rights of women and minorities. Through The School of Athens, a nonprofit organization I founded, I have led initiatives to support marginalized groups and raise awareness about social injustice. One such initiative involved helping a family stay with their terminally ill child at a children’s hospital in Oklahoma City, where we raised the funds necessary to alleviate the family’s financial burden during their time of crisis.

Through these various endeavors, I have had the privilege of making a significant impact on communities, both locally and globally. By working with like-minded individuals and organizations, we continue to create lasting change and inspire others to get involved in making a difference.

Focus on Mississippi

After retiring from the Army in 2023, I focused on Mississippi, running for U.S. Congress. My goal was to give voice to a part of the Republican party that often goes unheard. I aim to represent all voters, not just my party, and address the issues that truly matter to our community.

Ongoing Commitment

Journey of McGill’s History doesn’t end here.  I continue working alongside state representatives and local leaders to drive meaningful change in South Mississippi. My commitment remains clear: to advocate for our community, provide a voice for the voiceless, and ensure fair representation for every Mississippian.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. Together, we can build a stronger, better Mississippi for everyone. If you would like to read articles and Blogs from McGill, check out StayAmerican.org