Col Cheatham joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and was selected for a Marine Corps Scholarship in 1986. In May 1987 Col Cheatham graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.
After his commissioning and graduating from The Basic School and Data System Officer School in Quantico, VA, Col Cheatham reported to 1st FSSG Camp Pendleton, CA in 1988 and served as the Information Resource Officer and Programming Officer.
In 1989 he reported to I MEF G6 as the Assistant Information System Management Officer (ISMO). He deployed in 1991 to Southwest Asia with I MEF Command Element and served as the assistant ISMO and assistant Operations Officer.
Col Cheatham was selected to participate in the Special Education Program in July 1992 and attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He graduated in May 1994 with a Master of Science in Information Technology Management.
Reporting to HQMC, Manpower Division, Col Cheatham was assigned to the Military Skill Assignment Section as the Functional Manager for the By Name Assignment system.
Transferring to Twenty-nine Palms, CA in July 1997, he assumed the duties as Commanding Officer of MCCES, Company D and Director of the Computer Sciences School, MCCES.
In July 1999 Col Cheatham reported to MWCS-18, 1st MAW Okinawa, Japan, and assumed the duties as the Operations Officer. During this time he also performed duties as the MACG-18 Detachment Commander for the JTF Exercise Cobra Gold Thailand, MWCS-18 Detachment Commander for MISTEX-99 Y2K System Integration, and Island Exercise Beach Crest-00, Okinawa, Japan.
Transferring to the Joint Spectrum Center (JSC), Annapolis, MD in July 2000, he assumed the duties as the J3 Assistant Operations Officer. Col Cheatham graduated from the Joint Force Staff College, Joint Professional Military Education II course in June 2002. In February 2003 he deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
In September 2003 he reported to I MEF CE, G6, Camp Pendleton, CA and assumed duties as Information System Management Officer. During this time he also performed duties as the G6 Deputy until he deployed to OIF-II. During his deployment in OIF-II he served as the I MEF FWD G6 Deputy until Nov 2004 when he transferred to 3rd MAW FWD as the AC/S G6. Upon completion of his OIF tour in March 2005, he returned to I MEF as the Deputy G‑6. In January 2006 he served as the I MEF AC/S G6.
From June 2006 –2008, Col Cheatham took Command of Support Bn, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD in San Diego Ca.
Col Cheatham reported to 2nd Marine Division as the AC/S G6 from 2008-2010. During this time Col Cheatham deployed with the 2D Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan as the AC/S G-6.
Col Cheatham’s most recent assignment has been with HQMC C4 as Division Chief, Next Generation Enterprise Network.
Col Cheatham’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 2nd Award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.