June 4, 2026 7:00 am
Travis Ellis, co-founder of Shepherd’s Men
Travis Ellis, co-founder of Shepherd’s Men
Travis Ellis is a Georgia native, business owner, community leader and civilian patriot. His admiration, profound respect and dedication to veterans began when he was a kid, hanging out with his grandfather, a World War II veteran and his best friend. He heard stories of humility, selflessness and bravery that he never forgot.
Shepherd’s Men - Co-Founder
In 2014, Ellis co-founded Shepherd’s Men, a volunteer group that supports the
Shepherd’s Men are known for their long distance, grueling, multi-city runs, plus other activities, to raise awareness of the veteran suicide rate of 22 per day. They have run thousands of miles with 22-93 pound flak jackets and rucksacks, symbolizing the mental and physical hardships many veterans experience after returning from combat. The team has run or marched in excess of 5000 miles since 2014 and has raised in excess of 12 million dollars since 2014, allowing in excess of 340 post 9/11 service members to receive lifesaving TBI / PTSD treatment, to include 144 Marines during that time.
Ellis organized Marines from B Co, 4th Recon Bn, as well as local civilian patriots to mobilize in support of the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center. As part of the training program for the annual runs, Ellis has led Marines on various physical exercises.
Ellis and the Shepherd’s Men team rang the opening bell at the NYSE and closing bell at NASDAQ, helping to bring global awareness to the Shepherd’s Men mission.
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation Citizens Honors Award recipient
Ellis was honored in March of 2017 by the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor to receive the Citizen Honors Award for his tireless efforts with the Shepherd’s Men, the highest recognition a civilian can receive.
Georgia National Guard’s Minuteman Award - 2013
Recipient Verizon Wireless Community Service Award - 2014
Recipient of the key to Athens, GA, presented by the Mayor, 2017
2019 recipient of the Patriot Award, presented by Country Music Hall of Famer, Charlie Daniels, and his non-profit, The Journey Home Project
Camp Twin Lakes
Board of Directors 2012-2018
Volunteer of the year - 2010
Volunteer at Camps Twin Lakes, Family Warrior Weekends.
Cobb County Chamber of Commerce
Honorary Commanders Association - Co-Chairman 2011, Chairman 2012, Co-Chairman 2013. Organized effort to provide Thanksgiving Day meals to the Airmen of the 94th Security Forces Squadron, 94th Air Wing, Dobbins ARB
Leadership Cobb Class of 2011
Chairman’s Award – 2013
Guest Speaker at 2/11 1st Marine Division, 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball on 9 Nov, 2016
Keynote Speaker at Marine Corps League Southeast region convention, 2017
Speaker at Marine Corps League National Convention, 2017
Georgia Sons of the American Revolution affiliation
The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Legion - Member
Clyde Thomason Marine Corps League Detachment - Associate Member
Horace Orr Post 29, American Legion - Member – Sons of the American Legion
Ellis is an ordained minister who has conducted the wedding of the Inspector/Instructor, B Co., 4th Recon Bn, as well as officiated the funeral services for a fallen Marine Sgt, at the request of the family.
Since 2013, he has provided support to the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Georgia, which has included sponsorship and participation in fundraising events, as well as providing free or greatly reduced car repairs for disabled Marines. Ellis has also leveraged his network of friends and business associates to provide assistance for these Marines.
He has volunteered at Toys 4 Tots collection points and has spent various holidays at the Georgia War Veterans Homes, in Milledgeville and Augusta, delivering packages to the residents and has organized community trips to these nursing homes.
In March of 2019, Ellis participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range.
Ellis is a small business owner whose workforce is comprised of over 30% veterans. He runs Mobilized Fuels, a petroleum distribution company, in Marietta, Georgia. He enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor sports
Rotary Club of North Cobb County
Copeland's Restaurant
1142 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144