Melissa Ketchel

Melissa Ketchel is the Gold Star Sister of Lance Corporal Michael Hanks, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. Melissa has transformed her tragedy into many positive roles in the veteran community, including her role as Gold Star Ambassador for the Warrior Reunion Foundation (WRF). In this role, Melissa has been a key part of WRF and its mission to involve Gold Star Families in reunions with the units their loved ones served in.

She provides first hand experience as a Gold Star Family member, sharing how her family’s loss changed their lives and the positive impact attending a reunion for her brother’s unit in 2019 had on them. Her contributions help WRF offer a more personal and thoughtful experience to the Gold Star Families who attend reunions, acting as a peer throughout the process.

In addition to her work with WRF, Melissa is an established professional in the mortgage industry, specializing in VA Home Loans and advocating for veterans purchasing homes. She is also the founder of the Michael Wayne Hanks Foundation and the Vice President of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Association.