Johnathan McClay enlisted in the Navy as a computer technician in 2004. Initially assigned to paperwork for the admiral, he soon found himself aboard a frigate out of San Diego, where his responsibilities included maintenance and steering, often involved in missions targeting drug runners from Mexico.

After transitioning to the reserves, Johnathan's life took a significant turn when he was deployed to Iraq from 2006 to 2007. As part of the Sea Bees, he contributed to constructing the largest runway amidst the scorching desert conditions, enduring the constant threat of mortar rounds that left lasting scars of severe PTSD.