In a recent ceremony in Camp Ashland, Neb., Shannon McQueen was promoted to the rank of Seabee Master Chief Petty Officer with the Navy Reserve’s.

A 1993 graduate of Wetmore High School, McQueen’s promotion to Master Chief was recent, but it’s the culmination of over 27 years of service in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, he completed multiple combat deployments with the Seabees, including deployments in 2007 to Fallujah, Iraq, 2012 to Kabul, Afghanistan and a deployment in 2019 to Kurdistan, Iraq, supporting various U.S. and coalition forces in the war on terrorism.

Obtaining the rank of Master Chief puts McQueen in rarefied air as it means he’s now among the top one percent of enlisted maritime forces. Rising up the ranks through the Navy has come with sacrifices, and he’s thankful for his family for supporting him through it all.

Senior Chief McQueen has been married to his wife Melissa for 25 years and has one daughter Dakota (23), who is currently attending PA school in Memphis, Tenn., two sons Kael (20), who is working as a pipefitter, and Brayden (17), who is a junior attending Wetmore High School.

Personal awards include Navy Commendation Medal (with C device), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Expert Rifle, Expert Pistol and various unit and campaign awards. Additionally, he is qualified as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist and Expeditionary Warfare Specialist.