Fred Heery Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps 2015 – 2019
Fred Heery Jr. is a Tallahassee native whose love of the outdoors—lakes, dirt bikes, and long days on the water—shaped a drive for challenge and service. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2015, trained at Parris Island, and earned the MOS 0621 Field Radio Operator after schooling at 29 Palms. Stationed in Okinawa, he supported reconnaissance units as a radio operator before being selected to a Force Platoon, where he gained coxswain certification and supported maritime, patrolling, SPIE-rigging, and jump operations—including response efforts after an Osprey crash off the island’s coast. Reassigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune, he served as head radio operator for Fox Company, advising the commanding officer and leading communications teams across field exercises in Okinawa, the Philippines, and mainland Japan. He was promoted to Sergeant atop Mount Fuji, a ceremony arranged by his tight-knit unit. After separating in late 2018, Heery returned to Tallahassee, completed his associate’s degree, worked in construction management, and entered public service with the State of Florida. He is now Director of Administration for the Florida Department of State’s Division of Administrative Services, applying Marine-honed leadership and teamwork to serve Floridians with professionalism and steadfast purpose daily.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the Complete Transcript Here
Introduction (0:48 – 1:53)
Decision to Join the Marine Corps (1:53 – 6:44)
Duties as a Field Radio Operator (6:44 – 12:41)
Experiences While in Stationed in Okinawa, Japan (12:41 – 17:24)
Transition Between Duty Stations and Leadership Roles as Head Radio Operator (17:24 –25:26)
Deployment to Okinawa and Training in Asia (25:26 – 30:43)
Recon Training and Injury (30:43 – 32:35)
Transition to Civilian Life and Application of Leadership Skills to Public Service (32:35 – 39:25)
Advice for Young People Considering Service (39:25 – 41:01)
