Military Service Award: This is given to a GMC Corps of Cadets alumnus who has rendered unusual and conspicuous service, heroic effort and action or service to their city, state or nation while bringing honor to GMC and the Corps of Cadets.
MAJ (Ret) Eddie McCaffrey
MAJ (Ret) Eddie McCaffrey’s accomplishments and personal character brought distinct honor to the GMC Corps of Cadets throughout his military career. He attended GMC High School from 1959-1961 and continued his education at GMC JC from 1962 through 1964. After graduating in spring 1964, he stayed at GMC for the remaining school year, taking additional classes for college credit. He reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Cadet Battalion Commander) and was designated a Distinguished Military Student as well. MAJ McCaffrey married Janet Kramer of Milledgeville, Georgia on June 6, 1964. Janet was a GMC football cheerleader during his first two years at GMC.
Upon graduating from GMC, he attended Georgia Southern University, where he graduated in 1966 with a BBA degree. In 1966, he commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Finance Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. MAJ McCaffrey served twenty years in the U.S. Army, with very successful duty assignments in the Finance & Accounting Sections both domestic and abroad. In 1967, he entered Officer’s Basic Course and from 1967–1970, he served as a Finance Services Officer Comptroller at HQ U.S. Army Pacific and as Finance Officer in Charge at Schofield Barracks Finance and Accounting Office, U.S. Army Hawaii. In the early to mid-1970’s he served in Stuttgart, Germany as a Finance and Accounting Officer.
From 1985-1987, McCaffrey served in the Pentagon as Staff Finance and Accounting Officer for National Guard Offices and special operations outside the U.S. Throughout his military career, he also served as Prosecuting Officer for Summary and Special Court Marshals and as a Casualty Notification Officer.
He received several military awards during his tenure: Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Award, Joint Service Commendation Medal 2nd Award, Army Commendation Medal 2nd Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnamese Staff Service Medal, Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and numerous certificates of achievement and letters of commendation.
On September 30, 1987, MAJ McCaffrey retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major.
After his military retirement, MAJ McCaffrey continued his career at organizations associated with the defense of our country. He was a Senior Auditor and Supervisor at Lockheed Martin Corporation from 1988-1998. He also worked at United Space Alliance LLC as Director of Internal Audit and Government Relations for NASA Space Shuttle Operations. He is involved with various charities including the March of Dimes, the American Red Cross, VFW, and other military and civilian organizations.
MAJ McCaffrey and his late wife, Janet, share a son, Edward (Ed) McCaffrey, Jr. (Geneva) and one grandson, James.
