About the Author

Melissa is a former corporate executive who resigned after her husband was wounded, choosing instead to dedicate her life to philanthropy. To carry on her husband's dying wish to care for his fellow service members, Melissa founded the Military Veteran Project (a military nonprofit) as well as Topeka's Veterans Parade. Now she donates her time to her extended military family by assisting veterans in receiving adequate medical care and educating military families on PTSD, TBI, and creating peer-to-peer mentorships. She serves on the Military Relations Committee and is a Christopher Reeve Adviser. She also volunteers countless hours assisting active duty and reserve service members, as well as wounded and retired service members and their families.