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<p><em>John Michael “Johnny Mac” McHugh</em> was born on December 3, 1963 in New Jersey, the son of Mary Ann McHugh and James McHugh. As the youngest of four McHugh children, his early life was filled with faith, family, sports, and country. John did all things in his life with the guidance of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Classmates described him as never letting anything get him down—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>Along with his older siblings—Mary, Jim, and Frank—the McHugh’s were a “force to be reckoned with” in local sports lore. All four were stars on the basketball courts and baseball and soccer fields of James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, NJ. John was no exception, and it was during this time John’s inherent leadership qualities began to shine through. </p>
<p>His brother Jim shares a story that defined his younger brother’s leadership style and character. John, as a freshman catcher against a rival powerhouse team, was involved in a critical play at the plate. The runner collided with John and tried to dislodge the ball, and in doing so cut John on his left cheek. The runner was called out as John had held onto the ball. John, with blood running down his face, gently handed the ball to the umpire and quietly walked off the field. Talented and humble—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>John earned his nomination to West Point and was appointed to the West Point Class of 1986. He was a leader among leaders and a friend and confidante to all who knew him. He was steady in the classroom and a force to be reckoned with on the soccer pitch. He earned honors as Army’s all-time saves leader as their captain and goalkeeper. Losing the starting spot as a cow, John accepted his role, quietly earning back the starting job. He selflessly supported the Army team and his friends and teammates—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>John brought his faith to many classmates through Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), a Catholic-based fellowship organization. It was transformational for those who were experiencing the hectic and stressful life at West Point. John ensured that anyone crossing his path—friends, companymates and teammates—knew that they were included in TEC retreats. Additionally, when trying to sleep in on Sunday mornings, many of us would get a not-so-quiet wake up from John, saying, “Get dressed: Mass starts in 20 minutes.” We all complied. With an unwavering faith and beautiful smile, John brought a quiet and steady confidence through his faith—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>One of the highlights of our firstie year was receiving our class rings. In the spring of 1985, we all attended an information session with the company that would create our unique rings. All of us had a design in mind: some would have diamonds, pearls, black onyx, peridot with different shades of gold and initials or symbols of what defined us at that time. John didn’t say much about his design, but there was no surprise to those who knew him, as his was a cross embedded in a simple stone—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>John met the love of his life, Connie Jensen, during his junior year at West Point. Their relationship blossomed and their love for each other was evident to all who witnessed it. They married after graduation and parented five wonderful children: Mike, Kelly, Kristen, Maggie, and David. Because of John and Connie’s love and leadership as parents, the McHugh family carried a love of God, a respect and kindness for all who were fortunate enough to cross their path, and hearts that see the best in everyone. John’s love of family was unsurpassed—that was Johnny Mac.</p>
<p>While John served as a major in Germany, an American professional soccer player was added to the FC Nurnberg squad, which was in close proximity to John. John lamented the fact that he hadn’t been able to establish close contact with this player. While most would’ve sought to capitalize by gaining tickets to games, John was concerned that this player undoubtedly missed his family, and he regretted not making his home and family gatherings available to this player. He was selfless and always thinking of others—that was Johnny Mac.</p>
<p>John was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 18, 2010 when a suicide bomber steered an explosives-laden minibus into an American convoy, killing John and others. John was targeted as a leader in the convoy, a role and responsibility he always accepted. At 46 years old, John was one of the highest-ranking officers to die in the Global War on Terror. John was an exceptional leader who commanded at every level of his Army career. He was steady, reassuring, and selfless even when it cost him his earthly life—that was Johnny Mac. </p>
<p>In 2012, a few classmates and close friends wanted to honor and remember their friend and organized the Colonel John McHugh Memorial Fund to help pay college expenses for his children. In 2014, that effort became the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. Since then, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund has raised more than $40 million, all going towards its mission of honoring service and sacrifice by giving back through education. Today, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund is impacting the lives of countless veterans and military family members, especially the children of our nation’s fallen or disabled, by providing them with scholarships and life-changing educational opportunities, and all done quietly and with the utmost selflessness—just like Johnny Mac. </p>
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