Melissa

from She Served - Celebrating Women Veterans Radiant Warrior Edition

Carrie

BY SHERYL BINETTI

Melissa Deane served 27 years in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve from 1986-2013. As a clerical administrator, her duties included maintaining personnel records, life insurance papers, issuing military ID cards, and issuing DD-214s. She also assisted the military Post Office, performed guard duty, and ensured that Red Cross forms were filled out and delivered.

During 1990-1991, Melissa supported Operations Desert Shield/Storm. She also participated in Operation Joint Endeavor/Guard in Bosnia during 1997-1998 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

For her assignments in Germany, Bosnia, and Kuwait, Melissa received three overseas medals. She was also rewarded with several good conduct medals, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development Ribbon, two National Defense Service Medals, an Army Lapel Button, an Overseas Training Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, an Army Forces Expeditionary Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and four Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals.

Significantly, through teamwork and hard work, Melissa gained important life lessons as well as many great friends along the way. Early on, she realized the importance of receiving all the training that she could, which helped prepare her for a smoother transition to civilian life.

It is with a mother’s pride that Melissa speaks of her only child. She boasts that her daughter uniquely exemplifies unconditional love and an unending need to help others. Sadly, Melissa’s parents have both taken on the roles of guardian angels in heaven. She is, however, comforted by the protectiveness of her older brother. She has certainty in the knowledge that her parents had only love and pride for her.

Today, Melissa can be found working hard as a mail processor for the United States Post Office. She supports her community by volunteering at United Food Force, where she sorts and disburses food. Additionally, she volunteers with Soldiers’ Angels and the Wounded Warrior Project. It is through helping others that Melissa’s passion truly shines.

It is Melissa’s hope that the civilian population understands that Veteran women are resilient; they recover quickly and will always find a way to get things done.