19th Veteran of the Quarter, Don McMahon, US Navy/US Army
June 21, 2015
COL Donald P. McMahon has had a distinguished military career. He served as the Commander of the 1107th AVCRAD in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He also served as a Combat SAR Pilot in Vietnam with the United States Navy.
Why I have chosen Col. Donald P. McMahon to be Veteran of the Quarter.
•He enlisted into the Navy when it was not a popular thing to do while the war in Viet Nam was raging on.
•He has spent his military career spending time with other veterans with a common goal: Be of service to
this GREAT country.
•He has been known to say, “His country owes him nothing but he owes it everything.”
•He possesses a drive and desire to serve his country in the United Starts Armed Forces.
Timeline of service:
•1968 – Commissioned as a Naval Officer, entered flight school fixed wing, and selected Helicopters as a
career path.
•1970 – He was assigned to HC-7 (Combat Support Squadron) on a ship off the coast of North Viet Nam.
Rescued downed pilots and gathered intelligence over mainland.
•1988 – Joined the Missouri National Guard flying helicopters. He has commanded every Aviation Unit in
Missouri one time or another during his ANG career.
•2003 – He was commanding the 1107th AVCRAD in Springfield, Missouri when it was activated in support
of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
COL Donald P. McMahon received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Award, and various other campaign medals.
In addition to his military career, COL McMahon served the College of the Ozarks for over 30 years as an administrator and Professor of Psychology. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Murray State University, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army War College and a Doctorate in Education from The University of Arkansas.
COL McMahon and his wife, Dr. Dana McMahon, a retired professor from College of the Ozarks, live in Fremont Hills, MO. They have a son, a daughter, and five granddaughters.
To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit our website: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any of our Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form. Veterans are chosen by a panel of their peers.
THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!