First Sergeant (1stSgt) Shirey was born and raised in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. He graduated from boot camp in January 2006 at Parris Island, South Carolina, after being meritoriously promoted to Private First Class (PFC).
Following the completion of training at the School of Infantry (SOI) East, PFC Shirey was assigned the military occupation specialty (MOS) of 0331, infantry machine gunner. Upon graduating from SOI in 2006, PFC Shirey was assigned to 2d Battalion 2d Marines, Fox Company, Weapons Platoon. PFC Shirey served in various roles, including gunner and team leader, during the pre-deployment training program. In the fall of 2006, he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal (LCpl). Subsequently, LCpl Shirey deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In the summer of 2007, LCpl Shirey successfully completed the Advanced Machinegun Course at SOI East, North Carolina.
In 2008, LCpl Shirey was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal (Cpl). Following this promotion, Cpl Shirey transferred to a new platoon and assumed leadership of 1st Platoon, 1st Squad, serving as an 0311 squad leader. He deployed to Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
After the deployment, Cpl Shirey was once again meritoriously promoted, this time to the rank of Sergeant (Sgt). In 2009, while fulfilling the role of a section leader in Weapons Company, CAAT Black, Sgt Shirey deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon his return, Sgt. Shirey attended the Sergeants Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina.
In 2010, Sgt Shirey transferred to a new battalion and assumed the role of an 0311 squad leader in 3d Battalion 2d Marines, Lima Company. He embarked on another deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon his return in 2011, Sgt Shirey was selected by the Special Duty Assignment Selection Team to serve as a Marine Corps Recruiter. He underwent training at the Basic Recruiter School in San Diego, California, in the spring of 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, Sgt Shirey served as a canvassing recruiter for Recruiting Station Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Recruiting Sub-Station State College, and Permanent Contact Station Dubois. Following the conclusion of his recruiting assignment, Sgt Shirey was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt).
In 2015, SSgt Shirey checked in at 3d Battalion, 8th Marines Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant. During his time with V38, SSgt Shirey deployed to Moron, Spain as part of the Ground Combat Element of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force. Following his return from Europe, he deployed once more to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
In 2018, SSgt Shirey successfully completed the Career Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, with honors. Subsequently, he was selected once again by the Special Duty Assignment Selection Team for a special duty assignment. SSgt Shirey reported to Marine Combat Instructor School at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. SSgt Shirey graduated Marine Combat Instructor School as class valedictorian and was assigned to Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion. After completing two cycles with Alpha Co, SSgt Shirey was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Following his promotion, GySgt Shirey was selected to serve as the Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Advanced Machinegun Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion. During his tenure as SNCOIC of AMGC, he attended and graduated with honors from the Advanced Course (virtual).
In 2021, GySgt Shirey received orders to Hawaii and assumed the role of watch chief for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) at Camp Smith. In May 2022, GySgt Shirey transitioned to the position of Current Operations Chief in the G33 of MARFORPAC.
In January 2023, GySgt Shirey was frocked to the rank of 1stSgt and received orders to Permanently Change Assignment (PCA) to Alpha Company First Sergeant within the 3d Littoral Combat Team. He deployed with Alpha Company to the Philippines for exercises BALIKATAN 23 and KAMANDAG 7.
In July 2024, 1stSgt Shirey conducted a permanent change of station to Naval Station Newport Rhode Island. 1stSgt Shirey currently serves as the senior enlisted advisor for the Marine Corps detachment.
His decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.