Colonel Melendez was commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in May 2000. He most recently served as the Deputy Director for Supply and Distribution, Joint Staff Directorate for Logistics, J-4.
As a Marine Corps Logistician, Colonel Melendez has served in numerous Fleet Marine Force units, including infantry, aviation, and combat service support units on the West Coast and Okinawa. He has commanded at the platoon, company, detachment, and battalion levels, served as a staff officer at the battalion, regimental, and group levels and has completed numerous operational and combat deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Within the Marine Corps supporting establishment, Colonel Melendez has held positions in the recruit training depot and Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation.
Colonel Melendez’s military education includes the United States Naval Academy, The Marine Corps Basic School, Logistics Officer Course, Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and Joint Forces Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps University and was a Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow at The Brookings Institution.
Colonel Melendez’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of 3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of 3rd award and Combat “V”), and Combat Action Ribbon.
Colonel Melendez is married to Colonel Michelle Melendez (USMC / CO, OCS) and they have two children, Leila, and Gabby.