Who we are:
The Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 2004 in memory and in honor of a beloved son, brother, friend, and proud Marine.
The primary mission of the Willis Foundation is to fund college scholarships for children whose United States Armed Services parent was killed or permanently disabled in a combat zone.
The Willis Foundation is committed to supporting the men and women of our armed services by providing “Great Rewards for Great Warriors.”
These children have also made the ultimate sacrifice.
Meet our Board:
All of our Board is 100% volunteers, and the foundation does not have anyone on payroll. When you donate, know that we apply the largest percentage possible to the Child of the Fallen or Wounded.
Michael J. Willis
Co-President
Michael J. Willis
Michael Willis, along with his brother, Shaun, is a co-founder of Willis & Willis, PLC. Michael holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Michigan. Before forming Willis & Willis, PLC, Michael worked for Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP and Kerr, Russell, Weber.
His areas of practice include:
- Corporate Law
- Estate Planning
- Estate and Trust Litigation
- Estate Tax Minimization
- Estate, Trust and Probate Administration
- Elder Law
- Medicaid Planning
- Real Estate Law
Representative Clients:
- Entrepreneurial, Wealth-generating Individuals
- Life Science Related Corporation and Individuals
- Technology Firms
- Professional Service Organizations
- Development Companies
- Retail and Wholesale Brokers
Michael serves on the following corporate boards and committees:
- Lake Doster Development Company
- Jack H. Kelly Farms
He serves on the following non-profit boards:
- Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation, Co-President
- Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo
- Friends of the Portage Senior Center
- Southwest Michigan Professional Network
- Vineyard Outreach Ministries
Michael received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
In 2007, he was selected my Michigan Lawyer's Weekly as one of Michigan's Up and Coming Lawyers, an award presented to only 6 of 40,000 attorneys in Michigan. In 2008, he was selected as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers and is listed in the 2007 edition of Marquis "Who's Who in American Law". He was also selected by the Florida Bar as the President's recipient of the Pro Bono Service Award for 2009 for the Out of State (49 states) Judicial Circuit.
He belongs to the Florida and Michigan Bars; the Estate Planning Committee of the American Association of Attorney-CPAs; the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and the Taxation Sections of the American Bar Association; the Michigan Bar, the Kalamazoo County Bar Association and the Christian Legal Society.
Michael's wife Susan and their children, Isabella, Christian, and Mary, are the lights of his life. They live in Kalamazoo.
Willis & Willis, PLC dedicates its practice to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the founders' fallen brother, Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis.
Michael may be reached at 269-492-1045 or by email at mjwillis@wwplc.com
Shaun Patrick Willis
Co-President
Shaun Patrick Willis
Shaun Willis is managing partner and co-founder of Willis Law. He is admitted to practice in Michigan, the Michigan Supreme Court, the Federal Courts of the Western and Eastern District of Michigan, and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Before the formation of Willis Law, he was sole practitioner of The Law Office of Shaun Patrick Willis, worked in the Kalamazoo County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and at Howard & Howard Attorneys, PC.
Areas of Practice:
- Corporate Law - Adoption
- Bank Litigation - Dispute Resolution
- Civil Litigation - Federal Court Representation
- Business Litigation - Construction Litigation
- Construction Lien Law, Litigation - Riparian Litigation
- Real Estate Law and Litigation - Life Science & Bio Tech
- Environmental Litigation - Manufacturing
- Estate, Trust & Probate Litigation -Mediation & Arbitration
- Trademark - Copyright
(He is a frequent lecturer on these topics)
Representative Clients:
- Corporations - Construction Corporations
- Trade Organizations - Real Estate Investors
- Life Science Corporations - Development Companies
- Manufacturing Companies - Non-Profit Companies
- High Net Worth Individuals - Trusts
- Banks - Gun Clubs
Corporate Boards, Committees and General Counsel Positions:
- Jack Kelly Farms: General Counsel and Trustee
- Lake Doster Development Company: General Counsel and Trustee
- Upper Midwest Indian Counsel on Addictive Disorders: General Counsel
- Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo: General Counsel
- Kalamazoo Rod & Gun Club: General Counsel
- South Haven Rod & Gun Club: General Counsel
Non-Profit Boards:
- Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation, Co-President
- Ducks Unlimited of Greater Kalamazoo: Board Member, Past Chairman
- Big Brothers Big Sisters: Board of Directors and Benefit Dinner Committee
- Park Club of Kalamazoo: Board of Directors and Renew & Restore Committee
- Habitat for Humanity: Former Board President, Supporter
- Kalamazoo Christian School: Former Board of Directors, Capital Committee member
Shaun is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the State of Michigan and the United States Federal Court for Western and Eastern District and is admitted as Pro Hac Vice in the State of Illinois, and licensed to appear before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Shaun is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Kalamazoo County Bar Association, Van Buren County Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Christian Legal Society. Shaun is one of 3 attorneys endorsed by the Michigan Association of Private Investigators, endorsed by the National Rifle Association, and endorsed by United States Concealed Carry Association.
Shaun received a J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. He graduated with a B.S. in Aviation Flight Science from Western Michigan University. He is a licensed commercial pilot with a multi-engine rating. He was selected by Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly as one of Michigan’s Up and Coming Lawyers, an award presented to only 6 of 40,000 attorneys in Michigan. He was selected as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers, and named to Super Lawyers in Business Litigation, Construction Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Criminal Defense. In 2009, Willis Law was honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 21st Century Innovator. Additionally, from 2010-2016, the firm was selected as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan, and in 2016 one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. In 2012-present, he was elected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer.
He and his wife, Corrina Maria Willis, are involved in the Kalamazoo community, are members of Valley Family Church, and have three daughters and four sons. Willis Law dedicates its practice to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the founders’ brother, Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis.
Ronald Patti
Vice President
Ronald J. Patti
Ron currently lives in Sterling Heights, MI. He works as Chief Financial Officer for a privately held Real Estate Company. He graduated from Lutheran North High School in 1998 and went on to pursue his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. Ron received his Bachelor in Business Administration in 2004 from Western Michigan University, dual majoring in Accounting and Finance. He continued his education at the University of Michigan in Dearborn, MI and received a Master’s of Science in Accounting graduate degree in 2010.
In conjunction with attending WMU, Ron decided to join the United States Marine Corps to pursue his dream of becoming part of American's elite fighting force. He left for boot camp May 8, 2000, and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot located at Parris Island, South Carolina, on August 4, 2000. In boot camp, he obtained and held the position of Squad leader. Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) and combat engineering school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After Lejeune, Ron was assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Base located at 101 Base Avenue, Battle Creek, MI. He served 6 honorable years with Bridge Company Alpha (BCA). This is where he met and became good friends with Christopher Willis.
During his tenure as a Marine with BCA, Ron held various billets and was activated twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2003, he was deployed with Chris to Kuwait and awaited the call to become part of the initial invasion force.
After deployment to Kuwait, and just prior to the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003, Sgt. Ron Patti was hand selected for the Marine Reconnaissance Team and was, therefore, on the front lines as his nine man team scouted the forward area for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Ron received a letter of accommodation and Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for accomplishments in support of OIF.
Ron was the Dean's list recipient at the Haworth College of Business in fall 2001 and winter 2002. He also received the JohnBernard LLC Resolute Focus Award in April 2006.
In his free time, Ron enjoys playing anything that involves athletics and regularly plays on organized soccer and softball teams. He especially enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Mariko Willis
Chief Operations Officer
Mariko Willis
Mariko C. Willis is the Chief Operations Officer and an Associate at Willis Law. She is admitted to practice law in the state of Michigan.
Areas of Practice:
- Estate Planning
- Estate and Trust Administration
- Estate Trust & Probate Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Real Estate Law
Representative Clients:
- Corporations
- Non-Profit Companies
- High Net Worth Individuals
- Real Estate Investors
- Trusts
Attorney Mariko C. Willis, J.D. is the Chief Operations Officer and an Associate with Willis Law practicing in estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation, corporate law, and real estate law. Mariko graduated cum laude with a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
A veteran, Mariko joined the Marine Corps in 2003, in honor and memory of her late brother, Corporal Christopher K. Willis, and served honorably from 2003–2011 and 2014-2019. Mariko has attended the Marine Corps Career Retention Specialist School, has supported training operations around the world, and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Command Joint Task Force HOA in 2007. Mariko then served in numerous capacities as a Reservist, most recently filling the billet of Company Gunnery Sergeant and Deputy Family Readiness Officer for Engineer Support Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, out of Battle Creek, Michigan.
Mariko also serves as the Chief Operations Officer and on the Board of Directors for the Corporal Christopher K. Willis Foundation, a committee member for Ducks Unlimited Greater Kalamazoo, and is a member of the Kalamazoo Rod and Gun Club, the National Rifle Association, and the Kalamazoo Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
Mariko and her son, Tyson, live in Portage and attend Radiant Church. When out of the office, Mariko enjoys hunting, fishing with her son, archery, softball leagues, reading, watching football, and spending time with her family.
Since 2014, Willis Law has been honored by US News and World Report as a Best Law Firm. Additionally, from 2010-2017, the firm was selected as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan and since 2014 as a National Best and Brightest Winner.
Willis Law dedicates its practice to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the founders’ fallen brother, Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis.
Brooke B. Willis
Secretary
Brooke B. Willis
Brooke B. Willis
Willis Foundation - Secretary
Brooke B. Willis is a 2010 Central Michigan University graduate, holding a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Justice and Criminal Justice.
Brooke serves as the Executive Assistant for the Willis Foundation as well as a member of the Board of Directors.
During her undergraduate career Brooke served as President of Central Michigan University’s World Peace Initiative Group while also volunteering for numerous non-profit organizations. She has furthermore served with the AmeriCorps, working closely with schools, public agencies and community/faith-based organizations across the country.
In her spare time, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also is very involved in volunteering for various worthy causes with the intent of making her community a better place.
Chris Tarkowski
Board Member
Chris Tarkowski
Chris graduated from Mattawan High School as member of the class of 2000. After beginning his collegiate career at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, he decided to join the Marine Corps Reserve as a combat engineer as a way to serve his country while continuing his college education. He departed for boot camp in October 2001 and after completing his initial Marine training including boot camp, engineer school and combat training he was assigned to Bridge Company Alpha (BCA) in Battle Creek Michigan where he met and became good friends with both fellow board member Ronald Patti and with Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis.
After returning to school for just one semester while serving as a reservist in Battle Creek, Chris was called to active duty and deployed to Iraq in January 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the initial invasion. After returning from the front lines in the summer of 2003 he was able to attend one more year of school before once again being re-deployed to Iraq in August of 2004 until the summer of 2005. Over the course of his two deployments Chris earned 9 medals and ribbons including the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) and Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). He was also promoted to the position of squad leader and the rank of Corporal during this time.
With the conclusion of his second deployment in summer 2005 Chris was able to refocus his efforts on his career and college education. He pursued a career in the financial industry joining JP Morgan Chase in 2006 and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Davenport University in Grand Rapids Michigan in 2008.
With graduation came new opportunity and in the spring of 2008 Chris was recruited and accepted a position with a private equity firm located in Nashville TN. In 2010 he accepted a job with a competing firm based in Dallas, TX which allowed him the flexibility to move back to the Kalamazoo area and work from his home office.
With his freshly acquired MBA and desire to spend more time at home, Chris took a job with Kalamazoo based Greenleaf Trust as a Trust Relationship Officer in January of 2014. After 2 years of with Greenleaf Trust Chris had the opportunity to go to work for Michigan's #1 Financial Advisor, Charles Zhang and Zhang Financial as a Senior Manager Client Services for three years. In January of 2019, Chris was once again recruited by the competing advising firm, RMB Capital based out of Chicago, IL, to help with their Michigan-based operations. Chris accepted their offer and started his position as V.P. Wealth Advisor with RMB Capital where he continues to work with high net worth individuals to meet their financial planning and management goals.
Along with his military experience, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Management, Chris also holds multiple professional financial industry licenses including his FINRA series 7, 24 and 63 and is a Certified Financial Planner™. He has been involved with the Willis family and foundation since its inception and has been an active participant in recruiting support for the cause. He was nominated to the foundation board in July 2013.
Andrew Vidor
Board Member
Andrew Vidor
Andrew’s involvement in the Willis Foundation exceeds ten years and he has been on the board of directors for over five years.
In his professional career, Andrew is a Parking Consultant with Walker Parking Consultants Denver, Colorado office. Walker Parking Consultants is an international consulting, planning and design firm. He has areas of focus in the parking industry include consulting, planning, project management, technology, basis of design and identifying improvements for existing parking systems.
Some of the client types he has conducted consulting, engineering and study engagements for include: developers, hospitals, banks, municipalities, churches, universities, airports, sports arenas, and event centers. Andrew’s client geography extends across the US, Canada and into the Middle East.
His subject matter knowledge in parking has been published in notable trade magazines as well as been presented at industry conferences across North America.
Andrew’s approach to projects is to provide practical, achievable and implementable solutions to the array of challenges, problems and opportunities for his clients.
Bruce H. Briney
Emeritus, CLU
Bruce H. Briney
Bruce has been a resident of Kalamazoo since 1986 when he became an agent for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He and his wife, Cheryl, have four children and seven grandchildren.
Bruce graduated from Indiana University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and was initiated into Alpha Tau Omega Social Fraternity in 1966 - a Life Loyal Tau.
Associations and Memberships:
- National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
- Society of Financial Services Professionals
- NML winner of Community Service Award 2011, awarded $10,000
- Captain AR US Army Reserves 1971-1983
Community Involvement:
The Bridge Reformed Church of America
- Member since January 2010
- Bridge Builder January 2010
Greater Kalamazoo Ducks Unlimited (1994-Present)
- Bronze Sponsor
- Life Sponsor
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Benefit Dinner Committee (1989-Present)
- Most Valuable Person Award (2001)
Western Michigan University
- Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Advisor (1992-1998)
- The President's Circle/Pyramid Society (2000-Present)
Hobbies:
- Cycling
- Shotgun Sports
- Hunting and Fishing
- Fitness
- Hiking
Special Interests:
- Bible Study "Temple of Friendship"
- United States History, especially Civil War Era
- Advocate for Disabled Fraternity Brother, Roger G. Allen
Frank D. Willis
Treasurer
Bobbi Kelly Willis
Chaplain
Corrina Willis
Board Member
Susan Willis
Board Member
Financials
CCKWF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (approved by IRS as tax exempt #20-2725239) committed to supporting the men and women of our armed services by providing "Great Rewards for Great Warriors."
Thank you to our Sponsors for continuing to stand with us as we honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed all for our great country!
The Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation is supported by volunteers and continues to operate with zero ($0) cost for employee salaries and benefits, which are donated by Willis Law so that all monies raised go directly into the scholarship funds.
You may review our tax return documents here:
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
