Kevin Heckart

Kevin E. Heckart, born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1961, embarked on his military journey after graduating from Wentworth Military Academy. In the spring of 1979, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, achieving the rank of Corporal while pursuing a B.A. at Drake University, graduating in 1983.

Kevin was accepted into the PLC program for prospective Marine Officers, completing the training and commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1983. He then attended Drake Law School, earning his J.D. in 1985. Post-law school, he completed the Basic School for Marine Officers in Quantico, Virginia, and further Judge Advocate training at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island.

In October 1986, Kevin was stationed at Camp Lejeune as a 1st Lieutenant with the Legal Services Support Section (LSSS), one of the Marine Corps' busiest trial sections. During his tenure, he was promoted to Captain and served in various roles, including Trial Counsel, Administrative Separations Officer, Defense Counsel, and Presiding Officer over Article 32 hearings. His caseload covered serious offenses such as murder, child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, espionage, officer misconduct, and desertion.

In 1989, Kevin transferred to Marine Corps Air Station New River, where he served as Chief Defense Counsel and Legal Assistance Officer until his honorable discharge in November 1991. Following Operation Desert Storm, Kevin remained in the area, rejoining the USMCR and serving with the reserve component of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) as the Commanding General’s Staff Judge Advocate. He deployed twice to Norway before resigning his Reserve Commission and receiving an honorable discharge in March 2001.

Kevin's military awards include the Navy Commendation, Marine Corps Reserve, and Arctic Service medals.