Inducted: 2017
Winter Haven Senior High Graduate, 1983
Colonel William D. McGarrity currently serves his country as Chief of Staff of the Military District of Washington, D.C., leading a 260-person staff charged with defending the nation's Capital and supporting events such as the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, 2016 Nuclear Security Summit and 2015 U.S. Papal Visit. Over the course of his 30-year career with the U.S. Army, McGarrity served in infantry and aviation units in both wartime and peacetime assignments. His previous tours include service in Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. McGarrity earned master's degrees in International Relations from Saint Mary's University; Military Operational Art and Science from Air University; and National Security Strategy from the National War College. He has earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal among many other awards and decorations. He is a 1983 graduate of Winter Haven High.