Rep. Mike Gallagher
U.S. Congressman | Green Bay, Wisconsin
Mike Gallagher built his career on service, strategy and leadership, first as a Marine intelligence officer and later as one of Congress’s most respected national security voices. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Gallagher earned a degree from Princeton and a Ph.D. in international relations from Georgetown before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006.
Over seven years on active duty, Gallagher served as a counterintelligence and human intelligence officer, achieving the rank of captain. He deployed twice to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province during a pivotal stage of the war. A top graduate of Marine intelligence courses, he earned both the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his service.
After completing his Marine Corps service, Gallagher turned his expertise to public policy, serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff and advising Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 presidential campaign. That same year, he was elected to represent Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District where he became known for his sharp bipartisan approach to defense and technology issues, helping to reshape America’s approach to global security.
Recognized for his commitment to principled service, Gallagher received the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor the Navy can bestow to an individual outside of the Department of the Navy. Though he stepped down from Congress in 2024, his impact on U.S. foreign policy and national defense continues to shape the national defense and security conversation.
Zach iscol
Founder and CEO, Semper Forward | Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Steve Janke has dedicated his life to missions that matter. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served multiple years on active duty, an experience that shaped his belief in the core Marine value to “leave no brother or sister behind.” That principle would later guide his work helping veterans transition successfully into civilian careers.
Following his military service, Janke co-owned a dairy farm in Wisconsin, learning firsthand the challenges and opportunities of a small business and rural life. His drive to support fellow veterans led him into public service, first as a statewide veterans field representative for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and later as military talent attraction manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. In both roles, he championed programs to connect service members and spouses with meaningful employment across the state.
In 2020 Janke founded Mission Wisconsin, now Semper Forward, a veteran-led organization that partners with employers to help transitioning service members, veterans and their families find purpose-driven careers. Under his leadership, the initiative has grown into a national model for veteran talent development and workforce integration.
Frequently invited to speak on panels with presidential advisors and veteran advocacy groups, Janke is recognized as a leading voice on the power of service, community and meaningful work after the uniform.