Squid Game: The Challenge winner has a decorative navy past
Squid Game: The Challenge" victor Mai Whelan, also known as Player 287, was besides excelling in the intense series, has a distinguished career as a navy veteran.
Although Mai briefly mentioned her 20-year service on the show, the humble 56-year-old has complete array of prestigious military awards she has earned.
Mai earned the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for serving on active duty during a designated anti-terrorism operation for at least 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days.
She also holds 5 Joint Service Achievement Medals, which are given to individuals below the rank of captain in the Navy for outstanding achievement or meritorious service while assigned to a joint activity.
Mai proudly wears the Navy «E» Ribbon, signifying her enduring commitment on a U.S. Navy ship or in a victorious unit. Her remarkable service includes 5 Good Conduct Medals for three years of “honorable and faithful service.”
She has also received awards such as the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two National Defense Service Medals, 4 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, 5 Overseas Service Ribbons, a NATO Medal, and the prestigious title of Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist.
In 1975, Mai arrived in the United States after fleeing Vietnam as a young girl during the communist regime. At the age of 18, she enlisted in the US Navy, serving for two decades from 1985 to 2005, with postings in Florida, London, Italy, Hawaii, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Currently, she serves as an immigration adjudicator at the Department of Homeland Security.
Mai intends to use most of her $4.56 million winnings (approximately $2.87 million after taxes) to renovate her Virginia
