18/09/2026
Tomorrow is the big day. Let's show up for this Veteran and support him.
Meet Chris "Hands" Ellis, an Army infantry veteran who answered the call of duty from 1996 to 2005. Starting his journey at Fort Benning and going on to serve in Baumholder, Germany, Chris built a reputation for grit and resilience. He deployed to Macedonia in 1997, rucking the mountains and mastering fast-roping techniques from Blackhawks, choosing to stay with his squad during his grandfather's passing to remain by his brothers' sides.
His military career continued to break new ground when he PCSed to Fort Stewart in 1998. Working alongside the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 1st of the 60th Aviation Battalion, Chris and his team helped integrate Bradley Fighting Vehicles with Ranger units, setting the tactical standard for SOCOM fast infill operations. When the call came in 2002 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chris deployed to Kuwait, later transitioning to the active reserve and completing Drill Sergeant Academy. After years of dedicated service, he separated in October 2005 following a battle with service-connected PTSD.
Today, Chris is fighting the hardest battle of his life. On February 24, doctors at UNC discovered a**l re**al metastatic mucosal melanoma—an aggressive and rare form of skin cancer affecting internal mucosal linings. The premier treatment center for this condition is in Texas, and while the VA initially approved his care, they swiftly reversed course, denying individual treatments and local mileage. Chris and his wife have been forced into a grueling, months-long appeals process, covering the massive financial burden largely out of pocket.
Our veteran community takes care of its own, and Chris has earned our support. We are stepping up to help him and his family shoulder the medical costs while he focuses on beating this cancer. Please share his story, drop a comment of support, and reach out to find out how you can contribute to the fundraiser for our Brother, Chris "Hands" Ellis.