Director of Operations for The Defense Threat Reduction Agency Europe, United States Marine Corps
LtCol Matthew Neely enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1999 and was assigned to Lima Company, 3/25th. He was the Class Honor Graduate of the School of Infantry and designated as a 0331 Machine Gunner. He attended Ashland University, competing twice in the NCAA Wrestling National Championships. Commissioned in 2004 and later assigned a 1302, Combat Engineer Officer. He attended the Marine Corps Engineer School and was the recipient of the Marine Corps Engineer Association’s Cornwall Leadership Award.
LtCol Neely’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (third award). He is married to Mrs. Kristine Neely from Columbus, Ohio and has three children, Caelan, Stella, and Conor. He is the son of Maggie Neely, and Colonel David Neely USMC (RET). LtCol Neely has two brothers, Columbus Fire CAPT Michael Neely and Major David Neely USMC(RET). LtCol Neely is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and holds a B.S. in Education from Ashland University, Master’s in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, and Master’s in Business Administration from Boise State University.