Born in Olean, New York and raised in Painesville, OH, Colonel Reed graduated from Allegheny College and was commissioned in 1998. He commanded companies at 3d Intelligence Battalion in Okinawa, Japan and at Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, Fort Meade, Maryland. He attended Marine Corps Command and Staff College and commanded the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, WA. Post command, he attended the US Naval War College.
During his career, Colonel Reed supported humanitarian operations during Operation Unified Assistance, deployed to Iraq supporting elements of the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom with Regimental Combat Team 8.
His staff assignments include two years at US Central Command in the J-2, two years at HQMC Intelligence Division as Intelligence Occupation Field Manager, and three years at 2d Marine Aircraft Wing as the G-2 and as the Chief of Staff for the Aircraft Wing.
Colonel Reed is married, and his personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple joint and service commendation and achievement medals.