Making a Difference for Veterans | My Member Story

Justen Mellor is all about doing for others—specifically veterans and emergency responders. As a young man who longed to serve, he didn’t qualify for the military due to a medical issue. This was devastating news as he had always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers, and he soon found himself using alcohol to dull the realities of life.

Luckily, Justen discovered a path to sobriety. Along the way, he realized how the healing, support and brotherly love that were so crucial to his success were very similar to the stories of camaraderie he had listened to as a boy. He knew he was meant to do something more.

Serving without a uniform

After attending a ruck march event in New Mexico, he witnessed the care, love and brotherhood that people had for veterans and first responders. He knew an event like this was something that would be beneficial for the people in and around his hometown of Gunnison, Utah.

In 2018, United We March was born. The foundation is dedicated to raising money to help service men and women and other first responders all over Utah. Justen says that, for himself, it’s a way to serve without a uniform. He and other volunteers have been able to accomplish amazing things for veterans like completing home repairs and restoring a beloved motorcycle. They have also set up four scholarships, including one named for fallen soldier, Taylor Hoover.

The Gut Check

People also gather every year to participate in the Gunnison Gut Check. The two-day fundraising event is more than just a run—it’s a personal healing challenge, testing people both physically and mentally.

It includes food, motivational speakers, music and three different races—the mini gut check (6K), the half gut check (16.2 miles) and the full gut check (25.5 miles). Participants can walk or run, with many choosing to wear a 35-pound ruck pack on their back during the race.

The experience can be grueling, but hopefully they learn something about themselves and end the race in a better place than when they started.

First responders are very close to Justen’s heart

Justen’s roots run deep in Gunnison, Utah—his family has lived there for generations. The slower, more simple way of life agrees with him, and he loves being close to his extended family. “I loved it enough that I’ve never left,” he says!

In addition to supporting veterans, Justen and United We March are also very involved with first responders. As a matter of fact, we met Justen in the Gunnison Valley Firehouse. As a fully volunteer fire department, their service inspires Justen to do what he does. He is constantly amazed by the strength of this small community and wants to give back any way he can. “My heart is with these guys—I love firefighters,” he says. “They are the ones protecting us, falling along the same lines as our veterans.”

Mountain America loves supporting our members

When it comes to working with Mountain America Credit Union, Justen has been a member since 2009. He knew this was a special place because of how employees treat members with care. He has personally experienced this with each interaction.

One day, Michelle Brazell—manager at the branch in Ephraim, Utah—approached him to let him know that the staff wanted to volunteer at the Gut Check manning a water station. Justen was beside himself!

Michelle explained that Mountain America gives every employee four hours of paid time to volunteer in September during our Month of Caring. She and her staff had decided they wanted to be a part of what Justen was doing—and he was grateful. “There’s something about when you can feel that someone cares about you and others,” he says. “Service to people that we don’t even know is the best gift we can give.”

He continues to keep his finances with Mountain America, including housing the four scholarships here, because of how our values align with his.

We know Justen is one-of-a-kind. He is not only passionate, he’s also dedicated. It doesn’t take long to see that he would spend his last dollar or walk his last step to help these patriots. Ever so humble, however, he would say that his mission is successful not because of him but because of the United We March family.

Thank you for leading the charge and for your membership over the years!