Kephas was born on Aug. 30, 1956 on the island of Kosrae, in the Federated States of Micronesia. He attended Kosrae High School and graduated in 1975. He spent two years in nursing school on Saipan and then moved on to the U.S. further his education at Eastern Oregon State College.
In March 1979 he enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps and attended training in San Diego, California.
His decoration includes: Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Service Medal and various unit awards.
Kehpas is married to Suzanne Marie Mason of Cincinnati, Ohio and they have two children, Ryan and Shane.
