Major Cunningham was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from Western Carolina University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health as well as a Master of Military Studies from Marine Corps University. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 2011 through the Platoon Leaders Course. Upon completing The Basic School, he reported to the Basic Communications Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia, and was designated a 0602 Communications Officer.
In December 2013, Major Cunningham began his service at Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served as the Wire/Technical Control Platoon Commander as well as the MWCS-28 Detachment Officer-in-Charge for the Squadron’s T-AVB-3 team, supporting the afloat C4 requirements for exercise evolutions aboard the US Naval Service’s SS Wright, an aviation logistics support ship.
In February 2015, he deployed with the 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit on the USS Kearsarge as the Marine Air Control Group 28 Detachment Communications Officer and additionally served as the Squadron S-6 Officer for VMM-162 (Rein).
In November 2016, he transitioned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, as the Installation’s S-6 Department Head.
In July 2020, Major Cunningham reported to 2d Marine Raider Support Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as Company Commander for Headquarters and Service Company and in 2021 assumed command of Communications Company.
In July 2022, Major Cunningham served as the S-6 Officer-in-Charge within the Marine Raider Support Group in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In July 2024, Major Cunningham reported to Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18, in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Company Commander for Company A until May 2025. He currently serves as the Squadron Executive Officer.
Major Cunningham’s Professional Military Education includes resident Expeditionary Warfare School as well as resident Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. Specialized military education programs include the MAGTF Communication Planners Course and the Joint Electronic Warfare Theater Operators Course.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.
Major Cunningham is married to his wife, Chesli, with no children.