Board Member Profile: Brett Kelley

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Brett's journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and profound dedication to service. Born in Minnesota and spending part of his early childhood in Washington, D.C., where his father served as chief of staff to a U.S. Senator, Brett's roots are deeply tied to leadership and civic duty. His father was a Green Beret during Vietnam and, like Brett, a proud graduate of Army Ranger School. Brett grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and attended Saint Thomas Military Academy, an experience that cemented his desire to serve in the military. Witnessing the events of September 11th during his senior year only solidified his commitment to joining the Army.

Brett’s military path was unique and challenging. Starting at a military junior college in Roswell, New Mexico, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at just 20 years old. Balancing his education at Colgate University while serving as an infantry officer in the National Guard, he demonstrated an early ability to lead under complex circumstances. However, his journey took a life-altering turn when he contracted an antibiotic-resistant staph infection in his heart during officer training, flatlined twice, and wound up in a coma for a week with little chance of survival. Despite facing what seemed insurmountable odds, Brett refused to let this setback define his future. Through determination and rigorous rehabilitation, he overcame physical challenges, returned to duty, graduated from Ranger School, and deployed to Afghanistan a few months later in 2009.

His time in the military shaped his passion for helping others, particularly wounded, injured, and ill soldiers transitioning out of service. Brett became a champion for creating innovative programs to ensure these veterans and their families had the tools they needed to succeed outside the military. This work, paired with his own military lineage and experiences, fueled his desire to give back to the veteran community after leaving active duty to pursue a law degree.

As an attorney, Brett has continued his commitment to service. Joining the Veteran Defense Project (VDP) board was a natural step, blending his military background, legal expertise, and personal passion for supporting veterans. Brett’s connection to the VDP began through professional and personal networks, and he was inspired by the organization’s mission to provide justice and opportunities for veterans facing legal challenges. Recognizing the importance of addressing critical issues like substance abuse, mental health, and reintegration, Brett is focused on advancing the VDP’s initiatives, particularly the Veterans Justice Act (VJA), on a national scale.

In his current role as the Board’s Vice Chair, Brett is dedicated to expanding the organization's reach and ensuring its long-term sustainability. His goals include securing sustained funding, promoting data-driven results, and advocating for the implementation of model legislation across the country. Brett views the VDP as uniquely positioned to provide impactful veteran support through its distinctive approach, combining passion, precision, and effectiveness.

Brett’s journey from military service to advocacy reflects a life dedicated to leadership, resilience, and making a tangible impact. Through his work with the VDP, he continues to honor the legacy of service he values deeply while paving the way for a brighter future for veterans across the nation.

Authored by Olivia Bradford, who was a VDP 2024 Summer Law Clerk, and who is a December 2024 graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.