RAPID CITY, S.D. – Alyssa McGhee was promoted to the rank of Sgt. 1st Class in the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 235th Military Police Company in a ceremony held at the Range Road Armory in Rapid City.
Roughly 2% of all Soldiers in the 235th make it to the rank of Sgt. 1st Class while in the unit, and McGhee is the first female to achieve this.
“Growing up I always wanted to join the military but was unsure if active duty or guard service was right for me, but I knew I was interested in a career in law enforcement,” said McGhee.
McGhee follows in her father’s footsteps of service. He served in the Army on active duty for a few years and then joined the SDNG as an engineer.
“Being in the SDNG and having the opportunity to serve is important because I can give back to my community,” said McGhee.
McGhee enlisted in the SDNG in 2005 with the 235th as a 31B, military police, and has served through three deployments. Twice in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2013 and most recently in 2022 in Guantanamo Bay.
“They have always supported my military career in law enforcement and help me take care of property and pets when I leave for training, schools and deployments,” said McGhee to the support of her family.
She is a member of the local VFW Post 1273 where she volunteers as staff to facilitate events throughout the year. When she isn’t volunteering, she is active in the Black Hills with a local sailing club, mountain biking and is a lover of all things outdoors.
