Lieutenant Colonel Pierson grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Upon graduation from the University of Colorado, Boulder in December of 1991, he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.  After completion of The Basic School, he reported to NAS Pensacola in August 1992 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June of 1994.

After completion of CH-53D replacement aircrew training at HMT-302, MCAS Tustin, CA in December 1994, 1^st Lt Pierson was assigned to HMH-463, 1^st MAW Aviation Support Element, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.  From 1995 to 1999, Capt Pierson participated in EXERCISE COBRA GOLD 95 in U’Taphao Thailand, deployed in support of the President of the United States (POTUS) to Cairns, Australia, and participated in EXERCISE TANDEM THRUST in Townsville, Australia.  During his tour, Capt Pierson graduated from Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course (WTI) 2-98 and Aircraft Maintenance Officers course in Pensacola, Florida, and served in numerous billets in both Operations and Maintenance.

Capt Pierson was assigned as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) for 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton, CA in July of 1999.  In December, he assumed duties as the Regimental Assistant Air Officer for 5^th Marine Regiment until he departed in June of 2000.

Reporting to NAS Whiting Field in October of 2000, Capt Pierson assumed duties as Flight Instructor and the Senior Marine at Training Squadron Six (VT-6).  He was promoted to Major in July of 2001, moved to the Operations Officer billet, and was recognized as the Primary Flight Instructor of the Year for 2002. 

During February, 2003, Maj Pierson moved to MCAS New River and served as the Logistics Officer of HMH-461, deploying to Djibouti, Africa for operations in support of the Commander, Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). In 2004, he deployed with a detachment again to CJTF-HOA as the Maintenance Officer. Upon return, he was re-assigned as the Operations Officer.  In February 2006, he deployed again as the Operations Officer and Executive Officer, HMH-461, Detachment Bravo, CJTF-HOA. 

In April of 2006, Major Pierson assumed duties as the Executive Officer of Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 302.  He was promoted to LtCol in September of 2007.  From May to August of 2008, LtCol Pierson was assigned as Headquarters Squadron/Personnel Support Detachment Commanding Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 29.

In August of 2008, LtCol Pierson reported to Marine Corps Base and Marine Corps Installations - East where he served as both the Deputy and Director of Operations and Training, serving in additional duties as Air Officer, and as Senior Watch Officer supervising the Emergency Operations Center through multiple destructive weather events.

In May of 2011, LtCol Pierson joined the MCAS New River staff as the Operations Officer.  In July of 2012 he assumed duties as Executive Officer of the Station.

Lieutenant Colonel Pierson has flown over 5000 mishap-free flight hours in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.