Lonnie was born in Santa Ana, CA and raised in Victoria, TX. He joined the USMC out of high school in May 1989 and served four years (MOS-0311), his first duty station was Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, DC. He was selected as a member of the silent drill team in ‘90 and served as a White House cleated Marine.
He then deployed to Desert Storm with 2nd Marines from December 1990 to April 1991. After Desert Storm, he was selected to remain at 8th and I as a ceremonial drill school instructor.

When his military service ended, Lonnie began a successful career in the oil and gas industry. Today he is the owner of Horizontal Solutions, an equipment rental and service company based in Midland, TX.