Marine veteran chosen as new Highground director

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Pettis as its new executive director.

Pettis comes to The Highground with a wealth of knowledge, an extensive military background, and leadership experience.

“We are very excited for Chris to join The Highground team,” said Gary Weirauch, vice chair of The Highground Board of Directors. “Chris’ natural leadership qualities really impressed us during the interview process. We also learned that PTSD has personally impacted Chris’ life, which we strongly feel will give him the ability to relate to our veterans.”

Pettis, a graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after high school. During his 23-year career as a Marine, he held several positions including field radio operator, electronicoptical repair technician, Iinstructor and ordnance chief. He was stationed at numerous bases in the U.S., including 29 Palms, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, NC. He deployed to Somalia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kuwait and Iraq. Upon retirement as a master sergeant in 2014, Chris, his wife Bonnie, son Austin, and daughter Myrisa, moved from Jacksonville, N.C., to Osseo, while their oldest daughter Morgan moved to California after college graduation. Pettis started a new career in the mining industry where he operated a shovel before advancing to jobsite foreman, a position he held for the last three years.

“I feel blessed to be a part of something so special. I can still remember how I felt the first time I attended a stone ceremony, seeing what The Highground means to other veterans and their families,” Pettis said. “I’m fortunate to work with a staff that is passionate about supporting The Highground mission. I especially look forward to meeting the dedicated volunteers and donors who are so vital to our success. Without them, there is no us.”