Shawn Kelly, widely recognized as "Corporal" by his followers, is a distinguished outdoorsman, survival instructor, and the creative force behind the popular YouTube channel, Corporal's Corner. Born on May 27, 1977, in the United States, Shawn's passion for the outdoors was evident from a young age. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Corporal (E-4) and 0311 Infantry Team Leader. His dedication led him to extend his service to accompany his unit back to Okinawa, Japan. After an honorable discharge in August 1999, Shawn pursued a degree in criminal justice, aiming to join the Los Angeles Police Department.

The events of September 11, 2001, prompted Shawn's recall to military service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Serving from November 2001 to November 2002 as an infantry rifleman with the Military Police, he was honorably discharged again in January 2003. Transitioning to civilian life, Shawn became a Structural Welder, eventually running his own business and earning certifications as a Welding Inspector, Concrete Inspector, Masonry Inspector, and Epoxy Inspector. However, his enduring love for the outdoors led him to seek deeper knowledge in survival skills.

Dissatisfied with survival books that merely echoed military manuals, Shawn attended Cody Lundin’s Aboriginal Living Skills School in Arizona, completing courses like The Self-Reliance Symposium and The Desert Drifter. His quest for diverse survival skills took him across the U.S., leading him to The Pathfinder School in Ohio. Impressed by their teachings, Shawn completed various courses between 2015 and 2017, including Pathfinder Basics Training and Advanced Survival. His dedication culminated in his role as an instructor at The Pathfinder School LLC, where he assumed the lead position in January 2019.

In 2009, Shawn launched Corporal's Corner on YouTube, a channel that seamlessly blends bushcraft, survival techniques, and outdoor appreciation. Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, he has cultivated a family-friendly environment where enthusiasts can learn together. His content covers essential survival priorities—shelter, fire, water, food, and tools—progressing from basic to advanced levels. As of November 2023, Corporal's Corner boasts over a million subscribers, reflecting Shawn's commitment to educating and inspiring a global audience.

Shawn's philosophy emphasizes simplicity and self-reliance, often encapsulated in his mantra, "Keep it simple stupid." He advocates for mastering versatile skills, such as the jam knot or arbor knot, which he considers indispensable for various outdoor tasks. Through Corporal's Corner, Shawn continues to share his extensive knowledge, encouraging others to develop practical skills and a profound respect for nature.