RETIRED ARMY OFFICER
Instructor / Co-Founder / Managing Partner of Beyond The Trek
DeAndre
McDonald
Education & Credentials
Masters of Science in Defense Analysis,
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
Bachelor of Science in Social Science,
Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC.
DeAndre McDonald is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. DeAndre grew up as the second oldest to a single mother of four on the East side of Cleveland. His experiences as a youth faced with challenges and difficulties brought about by drug abuse transformed his outlook on life and gave him a determination to make a difference. In April 2001, DeAndre enlisted in the Army as an Automated Logistics Specialist, and during his career as a soldier, he held four separate military occupations. DeAndre served on a U.S. Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha, as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant.
In 2009, DeAndre graduated from Campbell University as a distinguished military graduate with a commission as an Infantry Officer in which he served in various roles. Once he completed his Conventional Army commitment, DeAndre was re-selected to continue his career within the Army Special Operations community as a Special Operations Governance Officer. Throughout DeAndre’s career he participated in combat rotational deployments to Kuwait, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Niger concluding his deployments with working alongside foreign partners and allies to strengthen U.S. relations. In June 2023, DeAndre retired as a military officer with a total of 22 years of which 20 years was Active Federal Service. He completed his career in the U. S. Army in the rank of Major.
DeAndre is aggressively working toward his second career as an educator within the public sector. His goals are focused on developing and empowering the next generation of students to impact the world with their unique talents and gifts. DeAndre is working to publish his written works of poetry and an autobiography. DeAndre is an avid runner and hiker. Currently, DeAndre holds a certification for leadership coaching through an International Coaching Federation-recognized program with North Carolina State University. DeAndre obtained this certification to increase his ability to add value to others in every way possible.
DeAndre and his wife Taneisha call North Carolina home, and between the two of them they have 5.5 children. Micah, Sarai, Ezra, Alexsa, Aadin, and fur baby Tez.