Gunnery Sergeant McElwee is originally from Arlington, TX. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program in April of 2000 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California in December 2000. Following recruit training, Staff Sergeant McElwee attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA and then reported to his primary Military Occupational Specialties School at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia for the Basic Music Course. Upon graduating he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. 

In June of 2001, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee reported to the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as a Trombone Instrumentalist, Administration Clerk, and Sound Engineer. In February of 2003 and 2004, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee deployed in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom performing security operations and led as Sergeant of the Guard for Camp Blue Diamond, Ramadi, Iraq. Gunnery Sergeant McElwee was promoted to Sergeant after returning from his second deployment.

In November 2004, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee pursued his civilian education at the University of Texas at Arlington. In 2006, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee graduated Mediatech Institute, Dallas Sound Lab, and received his Recording and Live Sound Reinforcement Diploma.

In June 2007, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee reenlisted into the 36th Infantry Division Texas Army National Guard Band in Austin, TX.  Gunnery Sergeant McElwee served as Sound Engineer and Trombone Instrumentalist. While serving as Reservist, Staff Sergeant McElwee graduated the University of Texas at Arlington with his bachelor’s in music production and Minor in Business Communications.

Gunnery Sergeant McElwee reenlisted into the Marine Corps in March 2011 and reported to III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Okinawa, Japan. Gunnery Sergeant McElwee served as Trombone Section Leader, Sound Chief, Training NCO, Supply NCO, Guide, Brass Band Unit Leader, Bus Driver, and Bagpiper.

In August 2014, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee reported to the Unit Leader Course at the Naval School of Music. Upon graduation, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee was assigned to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Cherry Point, North Carolina.  Gunnery Sergeant McElwee was promoted to his current rank in November 2015 and served as Acting Small Ensemble Leader.

Gunnery Sergeant McElwee was selected for the Small Ensemble Leader Billet in 2017 and reported back to 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA. Gunnery Sergeant McElwee led and coordinated numerous high-profile commitments to include the 75th Commemoration Ceremony of the Battle of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; 100th Commemoration Ceremony of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Oise Aisne, France; 75th Commemoration Ceremony of the Battle of Peleliu, and 2019 San Francisco Fleet Week.

In March 2021, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee volunteered for Recruiting Duty and reported to Recruiting Sub Station Denton, TX as a Canvassing Recruiter. Gunnery Sergeant McElwee was recognized as FY 2023 Recruiter of the Year for Recruiting Station Fort Worth.

In March of 2024, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee assumed his current role as the Production Manager of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

Gunnery Sergeant McElwee’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3^rd Award).