Integrity, service, and sacrifice are just a few of the words used by friends and family to describe Colonel Joe McCane, often called “one of the most amazing men on the planet.” McCane married his high school sweetheart, and together they have one son.

After graduating from Broken Arrow High School, McCane enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August 1991 as an Air Transportation Specialist. He separated from active duty in 1996 at the rank of Senior Airman. McCane then commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program while earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. Following his commissioning, he completed Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas and remained as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) in the T-1A Jayhawk.

McCane later transitioned to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) to fly the C-17A Globemaster III, deploying several times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He also served in a specialized unit, flying the C-208 Grand Caravan, DHC-6 Twin Otter, BE-350 King Air, and C-130 E/H Hercules. With over 1,500 combat hours and more than 5,800 flight hours in multiple aircraft, McCane has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Mediterranean for various contingency operations.

A dedicated student, McCane earned a Master of Business Administration before being promoted to captain. He held various leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Operations and Assistant Chief of Standardization and Evaluations, before advancing to major. From 2012 to 2014, McCane studied at the Air Command and Staff College, earning a Master’s in International Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense College. He was then promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned as Chief of Special Activities Programs and Requirements at Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command.

In 2020, McCane attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. He was later assigned as Commander of the 14th Student Squadron at Columbus AFB in Mississippi. In July 2021, he became Chief of Staff, Special Operations Command South, at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. Promoted to colonel in August 2022, McCane currently serves as Commander of the 47th Operations Group at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He oversees the world’s largest pilot training program, managing 1,100 personnel and 209 aircraft while flying more than 81,000 hours and 56,000 sorties annually.

Throughout his career, McCane has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Despite the demands of his military career, McCane remains deeply involved in his community. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he organized weekly Nerf gun wars for neighborhood kids, an activity that lasted nearly a year. He has also volunteered with his son’s youth soccer league and, as a Star Wars enthusiast, joined the 501st Legion to make appearances at children’s hospitals, parades, and other events. One of his favorite memories was participating in a Walk for Lupus event, where he dressed as a Black Stormtrooper, bringing smiles to children and adults alike.

Colonel Joe McCane exemplifies the qualities of a Broken Arrow Great Graduate—balancing a distinguished military career with meaningful community service and a deep love for his family and hometown.

Broken Arrow Public Schools

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Colonel Joe McCane, Class of 1991

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