Veteran Advocate
Helping veterans, active-duty military, guard and reserve members, and surviving spouses navigate the VA home loan process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
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About Melissa
Melissa Ketchel is Vice President of VA Lending at Continuing Mission Mortgage, where she has specialized in VA home loans since 2020 backed by more than a decade in the mortgage industry. A Gold Star Sister and Blue Star Mom, Melissa brings a deeply personal connection to the military community she serves.
Her brother, Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks, was killed in action in Fallujah in 2004. That loss became the driving force behind two decades of advocacy for veterans, military families, and Gold Star survivors. Today she works to dismantle VA loan myths, expand access to earned benefits, and guide clients through purchase and refinance with integrity and empathy.
500+
VA Loans Closed
10+
Years in the Industry
5.0
Google Rating
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How Melissa Helps
VA home loan services for veterans, active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, and surviving spouses — plus education for the professionals who serve them.
Use your earned benefits to buy with $0 down and no PMI. Guidance from pre-approval through closing.
Streamline your existing VA loan to lower payments or switch rates — fewer documents, less stress.
Dispelling VA loan myths for service members, realtors, and fellow lenders through webinars and trainings.
Specialized care for surviving spouses navigating VA benefits — handled with the compassion they deserve.
Resources
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Speaking
Melissa speaks at industry events, realtor associations, and military installations to dispel VA loan myths and expand access to benefits.
Latest Updates
Beyond Lending
Melissa’s work extends beyond mortgage lending into advocacy, education, and supporting organizations that serve the military community and Gold Star families.
Supporting surviving spouses of fallen service members through advocacy, education, and community.
Empowering veterans and families to develop character, lead with purpose, and serve with impact.
Delivering workshops and resources to help veterans understand and maximize their VA benefits.
Client Reviews
Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or just exploring your options — let’s talk. You’ve earned this benefit. Let me help you use it.