Military Career
Chris McGhee began his distinguished 20-year career in the United States Air Force as a young F-16 Crew Chief, working on the flight line to ensure that these fighter jets were mission-ready at all times. As a crew chief, Chris was responsible for the daily maintenance, inspection, and servicing of the aircraft, playing a vital role in supporting air combat operations across the globe.
As Chris developed his technical expertise and leadership skills, he took on greater responsibilities, becoming a Maintenance Training Instructor. In this role, Chris trained the next generation of aircraft maintainers, passing on the knowledge and high standards needed to keep the Air Force’s fleet operational. His experience in teaching and mentoring young airmen further sharpened his ability to lead under pressure and adapt to new challenges.
Chris's leadership abilities continued to grow as he advanced to the role of Section Chief. Here, he managed teams of maintainers, overseeing maintenance operations and ensuring that all tasks were completed efficiently and safely. His deep understanding of aircraft maintenance operations earned him respect and trust from both his peers and superiors.
From there, Chris progressed to Production Superintendent, a critical role in managing flight line operations and ensuring that aircraft were repaired and ready for missions. As Lead Production Superintendent, Chris took charge of the entire maintenance team, coordinating complex schedules, balancing workloads, and driving operational success in high-pressure environments. His ability to lead large teams and ensure mission readiness made him a key figure in the Air Force’s aircraft maintenance community.
Chris's military career culminated in his role as Lead Production Superintendent, where he not only led the team but also shaped the operational strategies that kept aircraft in the air and missions on target. This leadership position marked the peak of his career, but it also laid the foundation for his later work in advocacy and accountability, as he witnessed firsthand the challenges and pressures faced by maintainers at all levels.
Transition to Maine and Legal Education
After retiring from the Air Force, Chris McGhee transitioned from a life of military service to a new chapter in Maine, where he set his sights on pursuing a legal career. Drawing on the leadership and problem-solving skills honed during his military career, Chris enrolled in law school, with the goal of advocating for those who serve, particularly veterans and military personnel.
While attending law school, Chris immersed himself in the study of law, quickly realizing that the legal system could be a powerful tool for bringing about meaningful change. His dedication and determination led him to graduate with a Juris Doctor (JD), marking the beginning of his new journey as an advocate and legal professional.
But Chris didn’t stop there. Committed to further deepening his expertise, he went on to earn an LL.M. (Master of Laws), specializing in areas that would later prove crucial in his advocacy for veterans and military members. This advanced degree allowed him to sharpen his legal knowledge, particularly in navigating complex issues of government accountability, transparency, and veterans' rights.
Chris’s education in the law wasn’t just about gaining credentials—it was about acquiring the tools needed to continue his lifelong mission of serving those who serve. His legal training equipped him to take on new challenges, and it became the foundation for his advocacy efforts, which would grow exponentially in the years following his graduation.
Advocacy Work
Chris’s advocacy journey began during his first year of law school in 2019, where he quickly recognized the power of public records in uncovering truths that were otherwise hidden. His initial efforts centered around filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to gain access to critical data on military suicide rates and conditions faced by aircraft maintainers. This proactive approach marked the start of what would become a relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability from the Department of Defense.
During this time, Chris also began writing a blog that became a platform for exposing systemic issues within the military—particularly those affecting the often-overlooked aircraft maintenance community. His blog, 20 Years Done, served as a voice for maintainers and others who faced immense pressure while serving in high-stress roles, giving readers a deeper understanding of the challenges servicemembers endure behind the scenes. Through his writing, Chris shed light on issues that mainstream media often overlooked, such as mental health challenges, inadequate resources, and the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate efforts to address these problems.
In 2020, Chris expanded his platform by launching the 20 Years Done Podcast, which has since grown to include more than 90 episodes featuring experts on national defense, education, mental health, leadership, and organizational culture. The podcast’s wide-ranging conversations have resonated with audiences, garnering over 50,000 downloads and cementing its place as a leading voice on issues related to the military and organizational dynamics.
As his advocacy gained momentum, Chris’s work culminated in a legislative victory when language related to military suicide rates, especially among maintainers, was included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While this was a major milestone for Chris, it also revealed the continued resistance from the Department of Defense to provide full transparency. The DoD report that followed—intended to address these concerns—was incomplete and failed to comply with the legal requirements outlined in the NDAA.
Despite this outcome, Chris’s advocacy efforts have been far from a failure. His work in exposing the cracks in the system has sparked a conversation about military mental health, the need for accountability, and the continued struggle for justice for veterans and servicemembers. Through his ongoing advocacy, Chris remains committed to ensuring that the military, and those in leadership positions, are held accountable for their actions—or inaction—when it comes to the well-being of those who serve.