As a young West Point cadet, Karl Van Ness participated in an academy exchange program with the Coast Guard Academy. During a creative class assignment, Karl and a fellow classmate created an advanced aerial defense system. This project attracted the attention of officials in the Department of Defense, which led to Karl's inclusion in a covert operations group. Karl's participation in several operations were successful until the unit leadership went rogue. Karl refused to participate in an unlawful operation, which led to his expulsion and assignment to an explosive disposal unit in a war zone. Karl experienced several injuries in his courageous rescue of fellow soldiers, which led to being awarded a Silver Star.

Karl's years of experience in hostage rescues led to the swift rescue of his wife and a unique punishment of her abductors. Karl Van Ness's leadership skills and concern for fellow soldiers resulted in his appointment as the CEO of the Pathfinder Ministry. This ministry resulted in the groundbreaking for a soldiers' home, thus providing care for our senior military family.