SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- For many who attend the FBI National Academy, it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to sharpen leadership skills while demonstrating the service-first mindset that define today’s defense mission.
But for Special Agent Meggan McMains, Director of Criminal and Fraud Investigations for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ 3rd Field Investigations Region, the 10-week executive leadership program also gave her the chance to lead a record-breaking charitable initiative to support families of critically ill children.
“My whole goal was to lean in and do the things I hadn’t done before so I could learn and grow,” she said. “I had never led a fundraiser before, but I wanted to challenge myself.”
McMains completed all requirements, including the academic load of college-Masters level courses and writing assignments, while serving as a key leader in her cohort of more than 240 students.
Giving back
Through her efforts as the class’s Charity Auction Team lead, McMains and FBINA Class #293 raised $68,720.69 -- the highest amount ever collected in the academy’s history of charitable giving.
The total was revealed during a check presentation to a representative from the charity, held the day before graduation in front of classmates and staff.
“We didn’t tell the class how much we raised until that last day because we wanted it to be a surprise,” McMains said. “When we presented the check, [the representative’s] got a little emotional. The entire FBINA 293 class screamed and stood up and applauded.
“I don’t think any of us thought we would be able to raise that amount of money in just a few weeks’ time,” she added.
The funds will support families of law enforcement officers caring for critically ill children, helping cover travel, medical costs and meaningful experiences during difficult times.
While out of the classroom, FBINA Class 293 secured donations ranging from travel packages and collectibles to unique experiences contributed by law enforcement and military partners.
“We also created a donation site that we shared with friends and family,” McMains said. “Our goal was $15,000 online, and I think we ended up with $18,000.”
Building global bonds
Beyond her fundraising efforts, McMains immersed herself in the broader goals of the FBI National Academy -- particularly its emphasis on partnership and global collaboration.
Through the International Partnership Program, she was paired with a roommate from Greece. That connection led to shared experiences both in and out of the classroom, including hours-long conversations about the differences in law enforcement structures, challenges and culture.
One of their first outings, an everyday shopping trip, quickly became a cultural exchange that helped build trust and friendship, she said, which reflect a broader defense priority to bolster relationships through shared experiences.
“Getting a chance to interact and learn with law enforcement executives from different countries around the world was an incredible experience and it opens up your aperture and perspective,” McMains said.
Building trust, growth
Since 1935, the FBI National Academy has trained law enforcement leaders from around the world, combining accredited coursework with a focus on collaboration, leadership and professional development.
As the only AFOSI representative selected to attend this year, McMains saw the experience as more than a résumé milestone, she said, which pushed her personally and professionally.
“I walked out of there different than when I walked in,” she said. “It’s a program that you get out of it what you put in. You're not going to grow if you don't challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone.”
Some of the courses McMains took pushed participants to confront crucible moments that changed them and share them with the class.
According to McMains, one of the most demanding exercises was a public speaking assignment in which attendees shared deeply personal stories of hardship or turning points in their personal or professional lives.
“I was very nervous to let my guard down in front of people,” she said. “But some of the moments you’re scared to do are the most rewarding.” The experiences shared by others and McMains were impactful to everyone. We all took something away from every experience shared.
Though the coursework focused on leadership and communication, McMains found the greatest value in the relationships built through shared challenges and personal connection.
“The biggest takeaway for me is how critical building relationships is to the success of our mission,” she said. “Not just through the DOD, but across local, state, and federal levels – it helps us work more cohesively with our law enforcement partners.”
Pushing limits
The experience was also physically demanding, she said.
In addition to academic courses, the course challenged participants with physical training, like timed runs, dynamic strength exercises and culminated in the famed “Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course.
The Yellow Brick Road, a 6.1-mile trail built by the U.S. Marines, brought participants through hills, woods, water hazards, walls and other obstacles. Students completed the course which symbolized the physical and mental resilience required of modern law enforcement leaders.
“It was similar to being in a college environment because you were living in dorms, sharing bathrooms, writing papers and going to classes.” Then we would have physical training multiple times a week where we tested our endurance and grit all culminating together at the end.
Now back at the 3rd FIR at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, McMains has brought more than a certificate, she said. She has a broadened her network of law enforcement professionals around the world, and a renewed commitment to passing those lessons forward.
She added that the record-setting charitable effort was just one example of what can happen when that kind of unity and shared purpose is put into action.
McMains hopes to share what she learned with others in the field to further strengthen readiness and mission success. McMains biggest takeaway from her experience at FBINA “Relationships are critical to the success of our mission, not just through the DOD, but local, state, federal levels,” she said. “The FBINA program gave us all the opportunity to build them.”