Lawrence Edward (Larry) McKay Jr., currently resides in Mt. Pleasant. He is a graduate of The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and holds a masters degree from Duke University. He taught in the Department of Social Sciences at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his first tour, he was aviation officer 5th Special Forces Group Airborne. Later, on his second tour, he was Commanding Officer F Battery, 79th Aerial Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division.

His “Blue Max” cobra attack helicopter unit was selected as the Army Aviation Association of America’s unit of the year for their heroism in the Battle of An Loc. Colonel McKay’s military decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star. He held staff and command positions during his twenty years of active duty in the U.S. Army and later held senior level positions in various corporations in the private sector including the Seabrook Island Company and the Wild Dunes Telecommunications Company.

He currently serves on the boards of two businesses and is a founding partner of Horizon Capital Group, LLC. In 2006 Colonel McKay received the Alumnus of the Year Award of the Citadel School of Business Administration and in 2007 he was selected by the U.S. Air Command and Staff College as an Eagle in the “Gathering of Eagles” program which recognizes individuals that have influenced the progress and direction of aviation. Colonel McKay’s community support included service on the Trident United Way Board, Junior Achievement Board, Youth Services of Charleston Board, Christ our King Council, Chairman of the Golf Committees for the Kidney Foundation, Rice Planters, and the USGA Senior Amateur at Wild Dunes. He also served as President of the East Cooper Meals on Wheels Board.