Endorsements

Boundary County Resident:
Merle Ansley
PO Box 3024
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
October 26th, 2023 

Letter of support:
Travis Stolley
Candidate for Boundary County Sheriff 

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Travis Stolley 

To whom it may concern: 

I am writing this letter wholeheartedly supporting Travis Stolley’s bid to be elected for the position of Sheriff in Boundary County, Idaho. Having known Travis from birth, I can confidently attest to his exceptional character, unwavering dedication, and suitability for this esteemed role. 

Born and raised in the community of Bonners Ferry, Travis Stolley possesses an innate understanding of the unique challenges and needs of its residents. His deep-rooted connection to the town and its people instills a sense of loyalty and commitment that is unmatched. Travis is also married and raising his two children adding another level of intimate commitment and concern to his care of the community. Throughout the years, I have witnessed firsthand Travis's passion for the community and his relentless drive to make it a safer and more prosperous place for everyone. 

Additionally, Travis's previous law enforcement and military background further strengthens his qualifications for the role of Sheriff. Serving in law enforcement and the military demands discipline, resilience, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Travis has demonstrated these qualities throughout his career, which not only equipped him with valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making but also instilled in a profound sense of duty and honor. 

What sets Travis apart is his exceptional ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His friendly and approachable demeanor, coupled with their empathetic nature, has established trustful and meaningful relationships within the community. 

Furthermore, Travis possesses a keen sense of justice and integrity, which are vital qualities for a Sheriff. He has consistently exhibited fairness, impartiality, and a strong moral compass throughout his life. I firmly believe that Travis's unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ensuring public safety will make him an exceptional Sheriff for Bonners Ferry.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support Travis’s candidacy for Sheriff in Boundary County. His deep roots in the community, combined with a career in law enforcement, military experience, outstanding character, and genuine dedication, makes him an ideal candidate for this important role. I am confident that Travis will serve Boundary County with utmost professionalism, compassion, and effectiveness. 

Sincerely,
Merle Ansley

To whom it may concern,

As a 17 year resident of Boundary County and a “born and raised” north Idahoan, I endorse Travis Stolley for the position of Boundary County Sheriff.

Personally, I’m an individual that is proud to have been involved in many aspects of our community; volunteer firefighter, Hunters Education instructor, Babe Ruth & Little League baseball coach, event promoter for 9B Arenacross, 4th of July celebration president, business owner, young adults group leader etc.

This involvement has allowed me to see the needs of our community from many different viewpoints. Travis has the knowledge, experience and drive to tackle these needs.

For several years, Travis and I worked together as the only Hunters Education instructors in Boundary County. During that time, and the years since, I have grown to know him both personally and professionally.

He is a man of solid character that cares deeply about our community. He understands the desire to keep the “small town” feel that has brought so many folks to our area, yet also understands the need to adapt, in a responsible way, to the growth of Boundary County.

Sincerely,
John Becker

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS, 116TH AIR CONTROL WING (GA ANG)(ACC) ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA 31098-2700

20 February 2024
FROM: LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRIAN R. HANRAHAN, 116 MSG/CD
SUBJECT: Letter of Endorsement for Travis Stolley

1.  It is with great pleasure and confidence that I am writing to endorse Travis Stolley for County Sheriff. In fact, if it were not for Travis, I wouldn't even be here today. I first met Travis in 2006 when I checked into HMLA-269, a Light Attack Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron stationed in New 
River, North Carolina. I was a Huey pilot and Travis (then Sergeant Stolley) was a crew chief and mechanic.  We deployed to Iraq in 2007 and again in 2009, and he and I flew together on many missions both times. When I say, "If it weren't for Travis, I wouldn't be here today," I mean it. He saved my life on one very specific occasion, although I'm sure there are countless more actions he took that contributed to my safety without me even realizing it.

2. Travis was what I would describe as the quiet professional. He never sought the spotlight. He wasn't loud and aggressive, but he was always prepared and always able to be counted on. Being a mechanic/crew chief requires extensive training and competency. To be able to prepare the aircraft for a mission, understand all the complex systems and limitations as well as emergency procedures, fix most any mechanical issue that comes up during the flight, operate and fix the weapons systems, all while effectively communicating with the pilots up front, while on night vision goggles in bad weather and in a combat environment? Well, not just anybody is up for that challenge, but Travis 
excelled at it. He never complained. He never made the same mistake twice (if he even made a mistake), and he quietly but consistently set the example for all those around him.

3. Travis, as I know him, is as humble and honest of a man as I've met. I currently run and organization of about 600 airmen (yes, I transferred over to the Air Force, sshhhh) and I would love to have Travis in my ranks again! If he is elected the next County Sheriff I can assert with 
assurance, he will bring great integrity to that office. He will lead with quiet strength and fairness, and will lead by example. Please contact me with any questions at: (843) 521-7382 or 
brian.hanrahan@us.af.mil.

BRIAN R. HANRAHAN, Lt Col, GA ANG
Deputy Commander, 116 Mission Support Group
 

To: The Citizens of Boundary County

From: Matthew Kangas, Major- United States Marine Corps

Subject: Travis Stolley Highest Recommendation for Sheriff

Hello Citizens of Boundary County. I am writing to you regarding the election campaign of Travis Stolley for the Office of Sheriff. Though he is currently an active member of the community, you may be wondering about his past history, particularly the time frame when he was not in the Bonners Ferry area and serving this great nation as a Staff Non Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps. The purpose of this letter is to shed light upon that time frame so you can be informed of the less documented part of his life and be assured he is most fit for the position.

In short, Travis never asked me to write a letter of endorsement or of recommendation but hearing of his
campaign, I felt obligated to offer my recommendation. During the time frame of 2011-2014, Travis was not just a Marine under my charge but was one of my most beloved Sergeants. Three aspects of his character really stood out to me. First, his integrity was unwavering. Second, he displayed a unique balance of common sense and intelligence. Third, his grounded leadership style was mature for his rank at the time.

His integrity was strong in that he simply did things for the right reason, if he thought something was wrong, not only would he stand up to me but also stand up to the group-think of his peers both of which takes the highest levels of moral courage.

He brought the perfect balance of intellectual intelligence with good old common sense to the table. When tough intellectual decisions had to be made, he was one of the few I would go to for advice. While at the same time, he understands life and human nature from a common sense perspective making him unique in his ability to problem solve social issues.

Marines are often known for being a bit hot headed in their leadership style which at times can be an advantage but is not what one wants in an Office such as Sheriff. Travis was not like other Marines of his grade. Instead of a fiery Sergeant, he kept the demeanor of a very mature Officer in his leadership style which will fit excellently into the position of Sheriff.

There are many other positive attributes of Travis Stolley that I could highlight. However, my purpose is to simply shed light upon the time frame he was away from Boundary County and assure the citizens that his actions during his time frame with me make him more than qualified and fit for the duties of Sheriff.

Sincerely,

Matthew Kangas

Major United States Marine Corps
Kangasusmc@gmail.com

To Whom It May Concern,

I am proud to write this recommendation for Travis Stolley. I have known Travis for more than fifteen years. He and I met while we were both active US Marines.

Travis is the most dedicated, hardworking, kind, compassionate individual I’ve had the pleasure of working with and for. He has outstanding initiative and work ethic.

Travis was my non-commissioned officer in charge on my first and second deployments. Overall, we worked together for five years. He is a great leader. He has the capability to separate professional and personal relationships when needed. He would discipline if needed during the day and still be your friend in the evening. Travis is someone you can count on to keep a cool head in a stressful situation and make the right decision, and his positive attitude is contagious.

For these reasons, I fully recommend Travis Stolley for Sheriff as I am greatly confident in his abilities and believe he will be excellent in his tenure, which is very much needed in law enforcement at this time.

Respectfully,

Ronald L. Breen, Jr.

rj@jdbreenllc.com

636-544-4654

Endorsement Letter

Having been a Marine helicopter gunner, CH-46 in two tours in Vietnam I know the grit you have to have to serve everyday upholding your integrity and staying focused on the “big picture”. I moved here 3 years ago from a crime ridden sanctuary city. Here I feel safe to finish out my years. I firmly believe the local sheriff should be literally “from and raised”the community!I support Mr. Stolley 100%!!

James Chaney

To whom it may concern.

I first met Travis Stolley in May 2018. I had just been hired by the Bonners Ferry Police Department and was starting my field training. For those of you who don’t know, field training or FTO is a four month process law enforcement must complete before they can patrol on their own. Travis was one of my FTO officers. In those months and the years that followed I have not once but many times seen Travis Stolley tried by fire as the saying goes. I have seen Travis put his life on the line many times to protect a total stranger or even someone who actually despises him and would love to see his death or ruin. Such is the life of a law enforcement officer. 

We swear the oath to uphold the laws and protect the constitution of the United States. I have seen Travis uphold that oath many times both as a patrol officer and as a supervisor. I have seen Travis respond alone to situations where three officers would be required and still accomplish the job in a way that didn’t get anyone killed. I have watched Travis bring stability to many volatile situations while only using the adequate amount of force needed and showing respect to those involved. 

I have watched Travis in leadership roles both in law enforcement and off duty and he has a gift of being able to reach everyone. As a law enforcement officer I have shed tears, sweat and blood in some situations with Travis. Obviously we can’t tell our stories in great detail due to privacy concerns for those who were involved. I have seen Travis show great empathy and go out of his way to help someone when it would have been much easier to just walk away. 

Recently I overheard a comment that there is a big difference between a line deputy and a Sheriff. Maybe so, but in Boundary County there have been many times the Sheriff will be required to back his deputies up on domestics or a fight in progress. I know Travis will back up his deputies and protect the citizens of Boundary County because I have already seen him do exactly that many times. 

I know Travis loves Boundary County and its people. I have seen him many times put back into the schools and children his time and money, solely because he cares. In closing I know Travis did not run for Sheriff to get status. He doesn’t need this job for money, power or political gain. But I believe we need him. 

Brandon Blackmore