Colonel Valery C. Keaveny, Jr. was commissioned as an infantry officer upon graduation from Florida Tech in 1989. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Aviation Management/Flight Technology from Florida Tech, a Masters of Military Arts and Sciences from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

His previous assignments include Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader, and HHC Executive Officer in 5th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (Manchu), Aide de Camp to the 6th Infantry Division (Light) Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver), and 2nd Brigade Assistant S3 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. In the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, he served as the 2nd Brigade S1 and as Company Commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry (Gimlets). He then served at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) as the Division G3 Air, Assault Command Post OIC, and Commander of the Division's Long Range Surveillance Detachment. Subsequently, COL Keaveny served as the Senior Long Range Surveillance Unit Observer/Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. COL Keaveny was then assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska where he served as the US Army Alaska G3 Chief of Operations, S3 and Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry (Airborne), S3 for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) / 25th Infantry Division (Light), and Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne). Following battalion command, COL Keaveny served as the Senior Brigade Command and Control Trainer/Mentor at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana. His last assignments were as a student in the United States Army War College Advanced Strategic Arts Program and as the Special Assistant to the Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

His combat and operational service includes Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Colonel Keaveny's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Valorous Unit Award (2nd Award), and Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award).

He has earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutists Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab.

Colonel Keaveny is married to the former Kimberly Dale of Melbourne, Florida. They have two children.