Executive Officer, Wounded Warrior Regiment
LtCol “Dan” Ealy was born in Moundsville, WV on November 16, 1979. LtCol Ealy’s service began as an enlisted Marine, graduating from basic training September 25, 1998, from MCRD Parris Island, SC. He served six years as a reservist stationed in North Versailles, PA as a field MP for Bravo Co, 4th FSSG, deploying twice to Iraq (2003 and 2004-5).
LtCol Ealy completed SMCR service and transitioned to civilian life and residential real estate appraising and contracting from 2006-7, while also graduating West Liberty University with a B.S. in Banking and Finance. While possessing a college degree, he missed service and returned to enlisted active duty as an MP with Security Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton from 2006-2009 where he then applied and was accepted into the enlisted commissioning program in 2008.
Upon Commissioning in 2009 and graduating as an Artillery Officer in 2010, LtCol Ealy served in Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI from 2010-2013. During this time, he served as an FDO, Platoon Commander, and Battery Executive Officer, he deployed in support of OEF to Kajaki, Afghanistan 2010, and UDP to Okinawa 2012. Dan was selected on CCLEB for NPS and the Ealy’s reported to Monterey, CA in 2013.
LtCol Ealy and family served in Monterey California from 2013-2015, graduating with M.S. Business Management, also graduating from Expeditionary Warfare School year one, and graduating from Naval Warfare College year two. The Ealy’s were then reassigned to Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, VA.
LtCol Ealy and family served in Quantico from 2015-2018. Dan served as the Enlisted Staffing Goal Model Manager during entirety of the tour and supported Future Force 2025, MCIIP female integration, and standard staffing cycles. Healy graduated from James Madison High School and was accepted at Hawaii Pacific University. The Ealy’s were then reassigned to Steel Rain, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA.
LtCol Ealy and family served in Camp Pendleton from 2019-2021. Dan served as Steel Rain’s Logistics Officer, Quebec Battery Commander (UDP 2019), and Battalion Operations Officer during this time. Dan was then selected for resident CSC and the Ealy’s returned to Quantico in 2021.
Upon graduation from CSC in 2022, LtCol Ealy was assigned to TF 51/5 in NSA, Bahrain as the Task Force Fires Officer and served one year unaccompanied to allow Isaac to graduate from High School at James Madison. Upon return from Bahrain, he reported into MMEA as the Combat Arms Unit Head for Enlisted Assignments, and subsequently the Deputy Section Head. LtCol Ealy completed his tour in July 2025 and was assigned to Wounded Warrior Regiment as the Executive Officer where he currently servers.
LtCol Ealy’s personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), and the Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award). Natalie was recently awarded the 2023 Armed Forces Insurance Marine Spouse of the Year, and both Dan and Natalie are honored to be members of the Order of St. Barbara and the Order of Molly Pitcher.