Colonel DeVore hails from Branson, Missouri. In 1997, he enlisted as an 0351 Anti-Tank Assaultman and served with 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines in Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in March of 2002.
After graduating from The Basic School, Colonel DeVore reported for flight training at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL. Colonel DeVore conducted his flight training at Vance Air Force Base, OK and Meridian, MS earning the designation as a Naval Aviator in January of 2004. He reported to VMFAT-101 aboard MCAS, Miramar for training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
Colonel DeVore’s operational tours include: VMFA-232 the “Red Devils”, 1st Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), VMFA-323 the “Death Rattlers,” and VMFA-312 the “Checkerboards.” During his tenure with VMFA-232 he deployed twice aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) and supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving with 1st ANGLICO he deployed as a Forward Air Controller in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and participated in Operation Moshtarak. With VMFA-323, he deployed again aboard the USS NIMITZ in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and in support of the Unit Deployment Program to Iwakuni, Japan. In 2020, Colonel DeVore commanded VMFA-312 and deployed to Iwakuni, Japan in support of the Joint Staff’s Dynamic Force Employment and the USMC Unit Deployment Program.
Colonel DeVore’s staff tours include: VMFAT-101 as an F/A-18 instructor pilot, MAG-11 Operations Officer, Staff Secretary for the Commanding General, I MEF, and MAG-31 Director of Safety and Standardization. While serving on the Joint Staff, he served in the J-3, J-36, Deputy Directorate for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations as an Alternate Deputy Director for Operations, Presidential Strike Advisor, and Division Chief, National Military Command System Operations Division.
Colonel DeVore’s professional military education includes: the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College where he received a Master of Military Studies (with distinction), and the National War College in Washington, DC, graduating with a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Colonel DeVore is also a graduate of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
Colonel DeVore’s major awards are the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V,” Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Colonel DeVore was also recognized as the 2017 Tailhooker of the Year.
Colonel DeVore has over 2,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and is married to LCDR Charlotte DeVore, DO, MC, USN.