Maj Shannon Lea Youker is a native of Manchester, New Hampshire and is a graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduation from college in May 2006, she volunteered with the Peace Corps in Togo West Africa and after returning from her position as a volunteer, she was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in 2009. She attended The Basic School in May 2010, and was assigned to TECOM to serve as a Physical Readiness Programs Officer before beginning The Basic Communications School in Jan 2011. Following graduation from The Basic Communication Officer School, she was assigned as the Satellite Platoon Commander for 7th Communications Battalion, Okinawa, Japan.
After a year serving as the Satellite Platoon Commander, she was selected to serve as an Individual Augment with the Joint Special Operations Task Force, Gulf Cooperation Council (JSOTF-GCC) in August 2012. She served as the J6 for the command and as the Female engagement OIC organizing and conducting trainings with host country forces. In August 2013, she returned to 7th Communications Battalion to serve as the Executive Officer of the Service Company. During this time she completed Expeditionary Warfare School distance course.
In June 2014, she was transferred to Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) in San Diego, CA to serve as the Marine Liaison Officer supporting Marine Corps communications modernization efforts within the Navy command COMNAVSURFPAC.
In June 2017, she was assigned to 3d MAW, MWHS-3, G-6 to serve as the Network Support Section OIC. During this time she attended the advanced Communications Course in 29 Palms, CA. After completing the course she returned to 3d MAW, and in July of 2019 received orders to Marine Corps Systems Command South, Albany, GA to serve as the Tactical Application team lead and project officer leading development of new applications supporting logistics. During this tour she completed the Command and Staff blended course.
In 2024 she transferred to the Communications Company, CLR 45, 4th MLG to act as the Inspector Instructor for the I&I.
Major Youker’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.