Shirrell McCarey, originally from Frankfurt, Germany, born and raised on an Army Garrison, served in the U.S. Navy, both active duty and reserve as a Naval Commander. After her time in the military, she become a mental health advisor for the Loma Linda Mental Health Advisory Board for fifteen years.

Recently, McCarey became the first African American State Commander in 75 years.

She tirelessly strives to help veterans and military get their benefits for their families. McCarey also just became a certified Chaplain thru Living Shield Ministries and is mandated thru DPSS and the Department of Aging. She is a counselor to veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health and physical issues.

McCarey is a Board Member of Heaven and Earth Oasis, a a non-profit 501c3 founded to provide complimentary energetic healing services to veterans and others who may benefit from such services. She also maintains a membership with the California Leadership for Women, Cal Vets, Disabled American Veterans, DAV, American Legion, AGIF, NHVDS Coalition, and many other veteran organization and is the Lecture Knight for the Elk Lodge.

McCarey was recently honored as Veteran of the Year for the 47th Assembly District by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes. She has also received awards including the Unit Citation Award, Good Conduct Meda, and an award from Loma Lima VA clinic.