
Melissa Hanks Ketchel, Gold Star Sister
Vice President, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Association
One aspect that sets Melissa apart is being a Gold Star Sister. Her brother Lance Cpl Michael W. Hanks was killed in action in Fallujah Iraq in 2004. After the death of her brother, she leaned into his military comrades. Finding a deficit in the traditional counseling services she concentrated on that arena. With mental health concerns being at the forefront of Melissa’s mind based on a conversation she had with her brother upon his return from a training mission he implored to her that “Everyone needs someone to confess to.”
This personal connection to military service has instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to support and assist veterans, current military members, and Gold Star Family members.
Melissa is a mortgage loan originator employed by Ross Mortgage Company in Troy, Michigan. Fueled by a desire to make a difference for veterans and military members, she specializes in VA home loans.
Melissa lives in Huntington Beach California with her family.
Education & Certifications
Associate in Business Administration • Cleary University Howell Michigan
Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing • Cleary University
Mental Health First Aid Certified • National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Certified • Education Development Center