Lt. Col. Michel Ernest Hess passed away in Overland Park, KS, at the age of 75. Mike was born in Horton, KS to Norm and Lorain Hess. He grew up in Longview, WA and graduated from Eastern Washington State College (now EWU) in the ROTC program, where he also captained the football team. Colonel Hess received his commission as a Regular Army 2nd lieutenant in the infantry branch. He completed his officer training at Ft. Benning, GA where he also graduated from the Army Ranger School and Airborne School. He then embarked on a 20 year career that took him around the globe. He spent 3 combat tours in Vietnam commanding infantry companies twice and a tour as a special operations team leader. His awards include the Silver Star, 6 Bronze Stars with 2 for valor, 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Air Medals and an Army Commendation Medal for valor. He is a master parachutist and holder of the Combat Infantry Badge. He retired with honors in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He also holds graduate degrees in counseling and organizational psychology.
After assignments throughout the globe, Mike settled in Kansas City for his civilian life, where he could pursue his passions of golf, hunting, watching football, helping fellow vets through the Veterans Ministry. His dedication to ministry involved many facets through Church of the Resurrection, including; volunteering with his wife Sue as Congressional Care Ministers, being an active as bible study leader and Alpha, Community Life and assisting with job coaching for people within the church. Aside from his volunteering, Mike was also the proud founder and leader of RezVets, a veteran’s care ministry dedicated to saving veteran’s lives and assisting veterans and their families in achieving balance in their lives.
Lt. Col. Hess's passion for supporting veterans spanned well beyond his leadership of RezVets. He was instrumental in the development of the first Veterans Treatment Court in the State of Kansas. For the court, Hess helped to recruit and train veteran mentors (including the mentor coordinator), and supported veteran participants both personally and through his ministry. Mike was also a significant contributor to other veterans' organizations, such as Army One Source where he provided education to professionals helping the military community. He was a strong advocate for "Pets for Vets", a national organization which pairs veterans with companion rescue dogs. He also served as a mentor for "Kids 4 Vets", a local student-run organization which encourages kids to support veterans in our community. Finally, Hess was a pioneer in the developing field of Moral Injury, through his church and community outreach.
To say he led an active life would be a discredit to his legacy - he took up running in his thirties and trained himself to achieve a sub three hour marathon. His infectious personality wasn’t reserved just for his golfing and hunting buddies either. Whether it was the postman, receptionist, or the fellow sitting next to him at a game, Mike never let an opportunity to connect with humanity pass him by.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Sue; his children Damon (Sabrina), Tobin (Gladys) and Mignon (Traver) as well and Sue’s children Jeni (Tyler), Kristen (Dan), and Steve and 11 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Linda Holstein
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to your choice of the following organizations: RezVets, Church of the Resurrection Alpha Light House Fund, Veterans Treatment Court Foundation, Attn: Colleen Abraham, 100 N. Kansas, Olathe, KS 66061, Pets For Vets www.petsforvets.com, Kids For Vets, https://www.kids4vets.com/
. OR American Cancer Society
A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 24, Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, Kansas, 66224.
