Hannah M. Motley and Kaylee A. Motley

daughters of

Corporal Todd A. Motley and Karen M. Motley

2023 Recipients Hannah (left) and Kaylee (right) Motley

The Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation’s 2023 Scholarship Recipients are Hannah M. Motley and Kaylee A. Motley.

Hannah and Kaylee are the daughters of American hero, Corporal Todd A. Motley, and Karen M. Motley. Through the generosity of our corporate sponsors and individual sponsors, Hannah and Kaylee will each receive a future-use college scholarship intended to cover the entire unmet needs of their college tuition and expenses.

Corporate Motley was born on June 9, 1984 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Berry Motley of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Renee Gleason of Harrison, Michigan. When Todd was 14, he met Karen M. Wales (also 14) at a summer career camp. They clicked right away and from that moment on, were inseparable. Todd and Karen married on March 10, 2005. In 2005, Todd joined the United States Army, completing his Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Corporal Motley was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, located in Fort Hood, Texas.

CPL Todd A. Motley

Corporal Motley deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007. He was mortally wounded when attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Muqdadiya, Baghdad, Iraq. He passed away September 14, 2007. Corporal Motley’s personal awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Expert Weapons Qualification Badge. He received his promotion to Corporal posthumously.

Hannah, born January 21, 2005, is a 2023 high school graduate looking to attend Southern New Hampshire University to pursue her passion for creative writing. Hannah loves to read, write, listen to music and is a talented artist. Kaylee, born December 12, 2006, currently attends Oscoda High School and will graduate high school in 2025. After graduating, Kaylee would like to pursue the culinary arts as she loves to cook and decorate cakes.

Corporal Motley made the ultimate sacrifice and is a true American Hero. We are proud to honor his memory during this year’s Warrior Ride and appreciate your support in securing a collegiate future for his daughters, Hannah and Kaylee, who we believe have also given the ultimate sacrifice.

Hannah and Kaylee, the Willis Foundation wants you to know that your father is an American Hero!