Born in the picturesque town of Pocatello, Idaho, in 1970, Major (R) Dave “MAC” McCaskill is a man whose life story reads like an epic novel, blending the excitement of sports, the courage of military service, and the creative spirit of a storyteller.
MAC's journey into the world of athletics began at Idaho State University, where he showcased his prowess in both collegiate baseball and football for two years. Yet, life had grander plans for this young athlete, propelling him into a career that would see him donning the uniform of the United States Army.
Enlisting in the Army, MAC spent eight formidable years in the Infantry, a period that shaped his character and laid the foundation for the resilience that would define his later experiences. Following his time in the enlisted ranks, he transitioned to Officer Training School, where he embarked on a sixteen-year career as an Air Battle Manager (ABM), achieving the rank of Major before retiring in 2016.
Accumulating over 2,000 flying hours on the E-3 AWACS and E-8 JSTARS, his commitment to duty took him on eight deployments to volatile regions, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Through the challenges of wartime service, MAC's dedication to his country remained unwavering.
MAC's senior year in high school saw the formulation of three ambitious goals. Goal number one, while professional baseball may not have been a successful lifelong career, MAC did grace the fields of Idaho State University with his talent. Goal number two, the dream of becoming the next John Rambo transformed into eight years of service in the U.S. Army, leaving a legacy of duty, honor, and sacrifice. And now, as he marches toward goal number three, MAC is weaving his experiences into scripts (and hopefully movies), sharing the tales of his extraordinary journey.
Family and friendship are at the core of MAC's heart. He has two incredible children, Gunner and Payton. His passions extend beyond military life, finding joy in baseball, football, golf, movies, sports cars, poker, and sports memorabilia. He is also a seasoned participant in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments in Las Vegas.
The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a special place in MAC's heart, with 19 MLB home run catches as evidence of his dedication. Inspired by figures like Pat Tillman, Ronnie Lott, Roy Hobbs and his father, John McCaskill, MAC continues to draw strength from the heroes who have shaped his journey.
Major (R) Dave "MAC" McCaskill's life is a tapestry of courage, passion, and unyielding determination. Through the highs and lows, on the fields of play and the fields of battle, his story unfolds as a source of inspiration for those who follow in his footsteps.