Feb. 2020 – Renea McBride
U.S. Navy 1989-1998
The Tipton County Museum Veteran of the Month for February 2020 is Renea Antoinette McBride. Renea was born on March 14, 1971, in Brownsville, Tennessee. A few months after graduating from high school in 1989 she travelled to Memphis to enlist in the United States Navy, and attended boot camp in Orlando, Florida. She began her Navy career as a Boiler Technician, attending training in Great Lakes. In February of 1990 she jumped at the opportunity to become a Cryptologic Technician Operator, and she attended training for this in Pensacola, Florida. In January of 1991 she received orders to go to Panama, and then in August of 1992 she was assigned to BQ2 Air Crew Squadron in Rhoda, Spain. In October of 1994 she was reassigned to Anacostia Naval Station, Maryland, where she worked closely with the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer in the Admin Office. While on her next assignment in Korea, she received the news that her father was ill. When her tour was completed, she made the difficult decision to leave the Navy to return home to care for him. A true patriot, Renea loved being in the Navy and loved travelling the world during her career. She was an active volunteer throughout her career, taking lead logistic roles in the first Million Man March and in other lesser known activities. Sang the National Anthem at Naval retirements and changes of command. During her assignment in Korea she was nominated for Sailor of the Quarter and then on to Sailor of the Year at Suslak Building, Yongsan Compound, Seoul, South Korea. For her service to our country, she was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (2), Navy & Marine Corps Service Ribbon (2), Battle “E” Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Overseas Service Medal (2), 45 Cal Pistol Marksman Ribbon, and Flag Letter of Commendation (2).
After returning home to Tennessee, she became a telecommunications contractor and in May of 2007 she accepted a federal job with the IRS, where she still works today. Sadly, her father passed away in 2002; but she is grateful for the time she was able to spend with him. Renea is still very active in the community: she is President of the town of Mason's Planning Commission and Chairman of the Zoning Board. She is a member of Greenleaf Community Church where she is President of the Pastor's Committee and a member of the choir.
Even with her busy schedule, she finds time to pursue her passion – creating natural hand-crafted bath and body products. In 2015 she started her own business, “Just Splurge”, where she sells her products at fairs and events in the community. In 2020 she hopes to expand her business by opening her own retail store.
She is proud of her two children: Son Darius McBride attends Middle Tennessee State University where he is studying prelaw, and daughter Liana McBride is an extremely talented artist who is a home schooled 8th grader. Renea was nominated for Veteran of the Month by her uncle, John McBride, who was the May 2015 Veteran of the Month.