Major Vanous was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and attended Saint Anselm College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Major Vanous commissioned in March 2015 through the Officer Candidate Course program.
Second Lieutenant Vanous reported to The Basic School in March 2015 for training, graduating in September 2015. Upon completing The Basic School, Second Lieutenant Vanous attended Infantry Officer Course 2-16, graduating in March 2016.
In April 2016, Second Lieutenant Vanous reported to 3d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, where he served as 2d Platoon Commander for Kilo Company. In February 2017, Second Lieutenant Vanous deployed on the 24th MEU. In April 2017, First Lieutenant Vanous deployed from the MEU to Raqqah, Syria, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In November 2017, First Lieutenant Vanous became the 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander for Weapons Company. In March 2018, while serving as the 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, First Lieutenant Vanous deployed on a UDP to Okinawa, Japan.
In September 2019, Capt Vanous reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic (EWTGLANT) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While at EWTGLANT, Captain Vanous was the course manager for the Amphibious Warfare Staff Planning Course and the ARG/MEU Staff Planning Course. He additionally served as a primary instructor for the Amphibious Warfare Indoctrination Course, the Intermediate Amphibious Operations Course, and the Ground Combat Element Operations Specialist Course.
In August 2022, Captain Vanous attended the resident Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia and graduated as a distinguished graduate in May 2023.
In June 2023, Captain Vanous reported to 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, where he served as the Kilo Company Commander. In January 2024, Captain Vanous became the Battalion Operations Officer and deployed on a UDP to Okinawa, Japan.
Major Vanous’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Gold Star in lieu of second award.