Russell is a U.S. Navy veteran, and grew up in and still lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He joined the Navy in April 1974 and served until April 1999, graduating from basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. After basic training, he spent time in San Diego, California working as a mechanic aboard the USS Ajax AR6, EOD Model Unit, and USS George Phillips FF6-12. He spend a year and a half in the Persian Gulf and another year and a half involved in Desert Storm. 

He is a member of the VFW, DAV, and Walk of Flags in Fergus Falls, and previously earned the Adjutant of the Year for the time spent with the DAV.