Upon graduation from High School, Eli enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and underwent recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.

Eli spent a 28-year career as an enlisted Marine and reached the pinnacle rank of a Master Gunnery Sergeant.

Throughout his career, he served in various leadership roles from company, squadron, and battalion to regiment level and became the Manpower Chief of the third largest expeditionary force in the United States Marine Corps prior to retirement.

Eli was stationed all over the globe from the shores of Okinawa, Hawaii, West Coast and Europe. During his career, Eli was deployed to combat in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operations Enduring Freedom.

While serving in the United States Marine Corps, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and completed Master of Business Administration (MBA) few years after retirement from the Marine Corps.

During his active duty military career, Eli’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.