October 22, 1963 - November 27, 2004

McMahon was born in Fort Campbell, Ky., and raised in West Hartford. The son of retired Lt. Col. Dennis McMahon and Elizabeth McMahon, he graduated from Conard High School in 1981, the newspaper reported. His stepmother, Maria O’Neil McMahon, taught in the social work department at St. Joseph College in West Hartford.

After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1985, he was commissioned in the aviation branch. He and his wife, Jeanette, also a lieutenant colonel, have three children.

McMahon became the leader of the 3rd Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry at Schofield Barracks in June 2003 after having served in various capacities at home and abroad in Europe and Korea.

He commanded Task Force Saber in Afghanistan. The group covers the western part of the country, according to military Web sites. His troops were responsible for provincial reconstruction teams supporting security and reconstruction efforts in the cities of Herat and Farah, the military said.

Proceeds from the LTC Michael J. McMahon bracelet will be donated to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation in his memory.