Our Team

Chris Vanek

Chris Vanek leverages a distinguished career as a United States Special Operations Officer in the U.S. Army, contributing decades of expertise in National Security and high-level leadership within the nation’s most specialized Special Operations Forces. With a remarkable record commanding diverse military personnel in over 2,300 days of combat, he intimately understands the profound responsibility to preserve the memory of fallen heroes and uphold the solemn commitment to support surviving Gold Star Family members.

Chris’s extensive experience includes commanding at all levels within the 75th Ranger Regiment, serving twice as Deputy Commanding Officer and ultimately attaining the position of the 18th Colonel of the Regiment. His combat deployments, from the 1st Ranger Battalion in Afghanistan in 2001 to leading the Regiment in Afghanistan as the Commander in 2015, underscore his dedication to duty. During his 16-year tenure with the 75th Ranger Regiment, he witnessed the positive impact of Gold Star Mothers in responding to the loss of a Ranger, prompting the establishment of comprehensive programs by Special Mission Units to maintain ongoing support for Gold Star Families.

While currently holding roles as the Vice President for Corporate Development at Premise Data Corporation and President and Founder of cKv Consulting, LLC, Chris’s post-active duty focus remains steadfastly centered on the well-being of service members and their families. The Three Rangers Foundation Gold Star Directorate, under his leadership, honors the legacy of fallen Rangers by providing essential support and services to Gold Star survivors. This commitment ensures the continuation of the Ranger mission and underscores the Foundation’s pledge that no Ranger is ever forgotten.