Major Keel is a native of Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Florida State University in 2010 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in History.
Throughout 2011, Major Keel attended and completed Officer Candidates Course, The Basic School, and Infantry Officer Course.
In January 2012, Major Keel reported to 2d Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. During this tour he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (2013), and to Spain in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa (2015).
Following his first operational tour Major Keel reported to The Basic School in October 2015, where he served as a Warfighting Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander with Basic Officer Course 5-16, and Instructor at Infantry Officer Course.
In August 2018, Major Keel reported to Expeditionary Warfare School. Major Keel graduated as a Distinguished Graduate in May 2019. He also received a M.A. in Military History at this time that he concurrently pursued with American Military University.
Following graduation, Major Keel reported to 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, where he served as a Rifle Company Commander and the Battalion Operations Officer. During this tour he deployed to Norway in support of Marine Rotational Force-Europe (2020) and to Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program (2022). Major Keel graduated from Command and Staff College Distance Education Program during this tour.
Major Keel’s personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars in lieu of third award), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Combat Action Ribbon.