Colonel Russell graduated from Iowa State University, with a BA in English, and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. Designated an Assault Amphibian Officer, his first tour was with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA from 1988-1993. There, he served as Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer and Bravo Company Commander. His deployments with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion included support of Operations Desert Storm and Restore Hope.

In 1993, Colonel Russell joined the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch as Operations Officer. His duties included the planning and execution of various acquisition durability and reliability tests. His tour ended in 1995 when he attended the Armor Officers' Advanced Course and Cavalry Leaders Course at Ft. Knox, KY.

After Ft. Knox, Colonel Russell was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC from 1995-1998. At 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, he commanded Headquarters and Service Company, Bravo Company and served as the Battalion Operations Officer. In addition to his other duties, he was selected as officer in charge of the Marine detachment for the West African Training Cruise (WATC) in 1996 providing training assistance to several West African countries.

In 1998, Colonel Russell attended Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, RI. After graduating with distinction, Colonel Russell served as an instructor and program director for both offensive operations and the fire support coordination application courses at the Amphibious Warfare School (AWS), Quantico, VA.

In 2002 Colonel Russell returned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division and filled the billet of Executive Officer until 2004 when he was selected as Director of 1st Marine Division Schools.

In 2005 Colonel Russell was assigned to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General as a Program Analyst for the Inspections and Evaluations Directorate and subsequently as Military Assistant to the Inspector General. In June of 2007 he was reassigned to 2nd Marine Division as Commanding Officer 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion.

Colonel Russell Commanded 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion from June of 2007 to July of 2009. During this tour, the battalion successfully manned, trained, equipped and deployed several assault amphibian companies to OIF and OEF serving both in their traditional role as well as provisional infantry.

Following command, Colonel Russell attended the Marine Corps War College. After Graduation from the War College, he was assigned to United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command / United States Forces Korea (UNC/CFC/USFK) from 2010 to July of 2012, filling the billets of Deputy for the Commander's Initiative Group, Executive Officer to the Commander, and Plans Branch Chief for the Future Operations Division.

Colonel Russell's personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.