David Ocheltree

HMCS (FMF) David C. Ocheltree
United States Navy, Retired

A native of Seattle, Senior Chief David Ocheltree was raised in Lynnwood, Washington and graduated from Lynnwood High School in 1992. He enlisted in the Navy in July 1992. He attended boot camp and seaman apprenticeship training at Recruit Training Command/Naval Training Command, San Diego. His first tour of duty was the USS Vicksburg (CG 69) in Mayport, Florida, as a deck seaman and a Corpsman “striker”.  While on the Vicksburg, he served as a “Plank Owner” and sailed with that command through her maiden deployment.  He was then accepted to Hospital Corpsman “A” school in Great Lakes, Illinois. His second tour of duty was at Naval Hospital Newport, Rhode Island, as a member of the Ophthalmology Department, Physical Examinations and Active-Duty Sick Call.

David then reported to Marine Corps Embassy, London, United Kingdom, where he advanced to HM3 and served in various operations, conflicts and humanitarian aid efforts during one deployment. HM3 was then accepted to Physical Therapy Technician “C” school in San Antonio, TX. He was then assigned as a Physical TherapyTechnician at Branch Medical Clinic Everett, WA and was promoted to HM2.   During his tenure there, he was fortunate to volunteer as a Physical Therapy Technician for the Seattle Seahawks professional football team for the 2001-2002 season. He then left Everett to attend Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton, CA. After graduation he reported onboard 3rd Marine Division (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines) in Kaneohe Bay, HI. He deployed in direct support of Iraqi Freedom and participated in the Battle of Fallujah. He was promoted to HM1 after that deployment. The next tour of duty took him to 3rd Marine Division, Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. His second combat tour was back to Iraq; however, this time was for 13-months while on a Military Training Team. He was advanced to HMC during his time in Okinawa, Japan The next duty station was 14th Marine Regiment in Fort Worth, TX, where he served as the Regimental Medical Chief. During his time with 14th Marines, he deployed to Africa and assisted in a multi-nation joint operation. The next duty station was Naval Hospital Naples, Italy. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Branch Medical Clinic in Capodichino (assigned to Naval Hospital Naples).

He was then accepted to the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy. He graduated with Honors and was the recipient of the 2014 Coast Guard Physical Fitness Award. HMC Ocheltree accepted orders to the Branch Medical Clinic in Albany, GA where he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader. He was then advanced to the rank of HMCS.   He was then accepted to the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) Equal Opportunity Advisor School. He graduated on the Dean’s List as well as receiving the 2015 DEOMI Physical Fitness Award. He has been nominated for the 2017 Secretary of the Navy Innovation Award. HMCS’ last assignment was as a Command Climate Specialist/ Equal Opportunity Advisor onboard NAS Key West, FL.  He retired from the United States Navy in July 2018 with 26 years of service.

David C. Ocheltree
Human Resources Professional

When HMCS Ocheltree transitioned from the military he relocated to East Texas with his family. He helped establish what is now the second Largest Bison Ranch in Texas. Trinchera Bison Ranch is spread over 450+ acres of property consisting of over 160 heads of animals. David has spent a lot of his time networking with local restaurants, grocery stores, and small businesses who are interested in carrying this product to sell directly to the public. In 2020, David took on employment at J Berry Nursery (Nursery & Genetics) in East Texas. He is serving as their Human Resources Director and Process Improvement Manager. While at J Berry Nursery, he effectively delivered Human Resources support to over 150 employees across the organization. He oversaw policies and procedures including FMLA, FLSA, HIPPA, ADA and COBRA.

In 2021, he accepted a position of greater responsibility while serving as the Director of Human Resources at Everest Rehabilitation Hospital in Longview, Texas. While there he developed and facilitated leadership classes to the Department Heads and Executive leadership. David’s next position was as the Human Resources Administrator at the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (ABPMR). This was a 100% remote position. While there he was responsible for providing oversight to employees residing in seven (7) different states meaning that there needs to be a deeper knowledge of state labor and tax laws.

David’s most recent position is the Director of Human Resources at Kiepersol Enterprises.

His personal awards include the, Navy Commendation Medal (“V”–valor), Navy Achievement Medal (eight awards), the Combat Action Ribbon and various other campaign and unit awards. His career highlights include earning his Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and the U.S. Army Combat Medical Badge. He is also the recipient of the Florida Governor’s Medal for Heroism acts. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) from Concordia University with a grade point average of 4.0 (Summa Cum Laude). He is married to Amanda Ocheltree, and they have a little girl (Isabella) who is twelve years old.

David is an active volunteer within his community in various capacities. He routinely volunteers with the East Texas Veteran Alliance (ETVA)  and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Organizations. He is a youth soccer coach within his community. Since retiring from the military, David is continually striving for personal and professional growth. David has obtained numerous human resource management certifications including several from the industry leader Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). He became a Talent Optimization Certified Leader by the Predictive Index Institute and is currently enrolled at the Lean Six Sigma Institute in a Train-the-Trainer program.

In David Ocheltree’s new book, The Art of Leadership: Celebrating 250 Years of American Excellence, he draws on Scripture, historical insight, and real-world leadership experience to deliver actionable lessons for both seasoned leaders and those aspiring to grow and make an impact. From personal development to professional guidance, the book empowers readers to lead with integrity and vision. The book is available for purchase on Masthof Press & Bookstore’s website: https://www.masthof.com/