Brig. General Andrew MacDonald graduated in 1983 from Sidney High. He went on to earn a BS in Computer Science from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1987. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in September 1987. He attended flight school and graduated in 1990, earning his naval aviator wings. He went to fleet replacement training and day and night carrier landing qualification until 1991.
Andy served in many training and operational assignments in the EA-6B Prowler and TA-4 Skyhawk before joining the Arizona Air National Guard in 1998. While in Arizona, he was an F-16 instructor pilot, wing electronic combat officer, director of operations for various support flight squadrons and commander of several squadrons and groups.
In 2015, Andy became the executive officer to the chief, National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon, until 2016, when he was promoted to brigadier general and returned to Arizona as commander of the 162nd Wing, the largest F-16 and remote piloted aircraft wing with more than 1,800 members. He held that position until 2020, then became the director, Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, in Phoenix.
MacDonald has received 14 awards and decorations, including Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation with Valor with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star and Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze service stars. He was a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours.
Andy's community service is exemplary. He was vice president of the pediatric cancer charity, Courtney's Courage, and took over the daunting task of its annual raffle, growing it significantly. His efforts and support have impacted many families and children dealing with cancer. He has also volunteered for the Community Food Bank, the Ronald MacDonald House and the Wounded Warrior Project.
As a coach for his sons' Little League teams, Andy always put the kids first, even while dealing with parents, coaches and the politics. His friend said "his leadership and sportsmanship were excellent examples for these young men, and his family always came first. He was a coach, mentor, friend and, most importantly, a faithful partner to his wife and positive example to their two sons."
Andy retired from the Guard on Dec. 31,2020, and is a contractor with BGI Corporation as a simulator and academic instructor for U.S. and international F-16 student pilots.
An Air Force friend said, "His success all starts with the foundation of great character that had to be instilled in him by his parents and the wonderful community he grew up in." Another of his dearest friends said this about "Mac:" "You have chosen a great person to represent your community, and I highly recommend him for this honor."
We are proud to recognize Brigadier General Andrew MacDonald as a Wall of Fame Honoree.