Born and raised in Chicago, Jack McCabe joined the army in 1969, two days after his 18th birthday. He was sent to Vietnam less than a year later. He extended for a second tour and finally came home for good at the end of May 1972, finishing his three-year enlistment at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. On his return, Jack pursued his education using the G.I. Bill, earning an associate degree in electronics engineering from DeVry Institute. Later, he continued his education by attending night school, and received his bachelor's degree in business and management from Northeastern Illinois University in 1981. Jack owned his own business for 20 years and sold real estate for 20 more, before retiring to North Carolina, where he became a certified Peer Support Specialist with veteran designation. He now works as a volunteer, helping veterans with PTSD, financial challenges, family issues, homelessness, substance abuse, and benefits for veterans.