Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) Kevin M. Soeder was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. As an enlisted Marine he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving as a 2621/9 Special Communications Signals Collection Analyst in the following assignments: Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC; and Bravo Company, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, Fort Meade, MD. During his time as a Radio Reconnaissance Marine, he completed the US Army Basic Airborne Course, US Army Ranger School, and US Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance School.
LtCol Soeder was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Communications Officer in 2005. His command assignments include Communications Platoon Commander, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune, NC (2007); Communications Company Commander, Marine Special Operations Combat Support Battalion, US Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Camp Lejeune, NC (2012); Security Company Commander, Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), Quantico, VA (2017); and he is currently the Commanding Officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Okinawa, Japan (2023).
LtCol Soeder served in staff assignments as the Assistant Communications Officer, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Camp Lejeune, NC (2010); Assistant Operations Officer, G-6, MARSOC, Camp Lejeune, NC (2013); Communications Department Officer-in-Charge, HMX-1, Quantico, VA (2015); Operations Officer, MWCS-18, Okinawa, Japan (2020); Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan (2021).
LtCol Soeder completed operational deployments with the 24th MEU (Special Operations Capable (SOC)) during peace support operations in Kosovo (2000); 22d MEU (SOC) (2002); a National Intelligence Support Team during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (2004); 24th MEU (SOC) during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (2008); and 26th MEU (SOC), during the unit's redesignation as Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26 for the USS New York (LPD-21) commissioning (2009) and participation in Operation ODYSSEY DAWN (2010).
LtCol Soeder earned a bachelor's degree from American Military University, master's degrees from the University of Maryland, Global Campus and Marine Corps Command and Staff College (CSC), and completed resident Professional Military Education at Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School and Marine Corps CSC.
LtCol Soeder has been awarded the following personal decorations: (2) Meritorious Service Medals, (1) Joint Service Commendation Medal, (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (1) Joint Service Achievement Medal, (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and (2) Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Marine Corps Association's Leadership Award (2011), and is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge, Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist Badge, and Navy/Marine Corps Aircrew Badge.
LtCol Soeder is married to his wife, Maria, and they have three children: Jazmin (26), Olivia (13), and Lucas (10).