Kelly was raised in both Colorado and Texas.  In 1948 Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps, beginning recruit training in August of 1948 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California.  He was assigned to an all Texas Platoon #69, 1^st Battalion; Kelly graduated from recruit training as a Private First Class in November of 1948. Following completion of training he was stationed at MCDS, 100 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California.

In 1951 he received Advanced Combat Training that included Winter Training at Pickel Meadow, Camp Pendleton, California and then sailed to Korea, attached to the Combat Service Group, 1st Marine Division.  He spent seven months in the combat zone during the fall and winter of 1951. He was awarded Meritorious Sergeant of Marines rating in the field. Following 4 years of service; Kelly was honorably discharged in San Diego, California. 

Most of Kelly’s work life was spent at aerospace companies and the U.S. Government as a Cost Analyst.

He earned an MBA from the Executive MBA Program, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD, as well as, a Master of Finance from the same institution.  He is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society) and was a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (1990-1995).

Kelly a was Senior Resource Analyst with the Federal Government, at Space and Missile Systems Center (FMC) and specialized in estimating leading space systems, using computerized parametrics.  He then worked as a consultant for the US Government for a number of years as Principal Analyst, Western Region, ARINC Research Corporation, El Segundo, CA.  He provided computerized parametric estimates and analysis of future Global Positioning System (GPS) user equipment for all manner of platforms.  He also worked with satellite, missile systems, and black programs. 

He was past President, Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) Southern California Chapter from 1990 through 1993, was a member of it’s National Board of Directors and served on their Educational Committee.  In addition, Kelly has also published several articles in scholarly journals and other publications.

He began teaching via the Internet as an Adjunct Professor of the University of Phoenix and has been teaching for nineteen years over the Internet. He is qualified to teach 57 different classes, most recently Accounting and Finance and Non-profit Accounting.

Kelly is excited to have been elected Detachment Senior Vice Commandant for 2008 and is a Charter Member of Marine Corps League, Outer Banks Detachment #1264. 

Gung Ho!