Michael Dennis McGinty

Born in 1942, Lt. General McGinty earned a BA in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota before commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1965, through the ROTC program. He went on to serve with honor for 33.5 years. His career included serving as commander of the 10th Tactical Fighter Wing in Alconbury, England, commander of Air Force Military Personnel Center, and completing his career as the Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel at the Pentagon. He was a decorated command pilot with over 3,500 flight hours in the F-4, A-10, T-39 and C-21. This included 115 combat missions during the Vietnam War, 100 of which were flown over North Vietnam. While he loved to fly, he was equally committed to the welfare of Air Force personnel and their families.

Following his retirement in October 1998, Lt. General McGinty continued to serve the Air Force personnel he loved as the CEO of the Air Force Aid Society in Washington DC. In this role he was able to provide assistance of $20 million annually to Air Force families. He led the organization through the September 11th attacks and the initial Middle East war years.

Retiring again in 2005, Mike and Karen worked as advocates for conservation and wildlife. They supported the Pinkney Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina, organizing volunteer efforts to preserve natural habitats. Mike was often on a tractor himself, helping to maintain the beauty of the park, or directing visitors around the park. Mike and Karen also embraced their love of travel and birdwatching, exploring the United States and Canada in their RV.

In 2010, they moved to Blue Skies of Texas, a military retirement community in San Antonio, where they continued to contribute to their community. They volunteered in various roles within their chapel program and worked to assist local veterans in the area. Mike was also very proud to be a founding member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (River Rats) and a lifelong member of the VFW.

Lt. General McGinty will be remembered not only for his distinguished military career but for his unwavering dedication to the people he served. He was a devoted leader, mentor, and patriot. His most lasting legacy, though, will be in the individual lives he touched through his personal care and years of service.

Lt. General McGinty is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Tim (Kate) and Shannon (Jerry); his grandchildren, Joshua and Maddie; and his sisters, Patricia Muller and Pauline (Leroy) Harmon, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service:

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

High Flight Chapel at Blue Skies of Texas West, San Antonio

Reception to immediately follow (Roadrunner Room)

Burial will be held at the United States Air Force Academy, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Air Force Aid Society or the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation.