Lieutenant Colonel O’Donnell is a graduate of Liberty University. He commissioned through the Officer Candidate Course program in December 2008.
After graduating the Infantry Officer’s Course in 2010, he reported to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. He deployed once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and once on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit with the battalion.
In 2013, he reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. He served as a Bullpen Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander, and Infantry Officer Course Instructor while aboard Camp Barrett.
In academic year 2017, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School and received follow-on orders to 2d Battalion, 4th Marines. During his tour with 2d Battalion, 4th Marines he served as the Weapons Company Commander and Battalion Operations Officer. He deployed once with the battalion in support of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin in 2018.
Lieutenant Colonel O’Donnell attended the Marine Corps’ Command and Staff College in academic year 2021. Upon graduation, he received follow-on orders to the Expeditionary Warfare School where he served as a Faculty Advisor, Course Director, Director of Curriculum Development, and Chief Instructor.