Sergeant Major Melendez enlisted in the Marine Corps from Los Angeles, CA in 1995. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Upon graduation of Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton CA, SgtMaj Melendez reported to Personnel Administration School at Camp Lejeune, NC and received the MOS of 0131.
In June 1995, Sergeant Major Melendez was transferred to 3d Marine Division, Okinawa for duty with Combat Assault Battalion. Upon completion of his 12 month overseas assignment, SgtMaj Melendez was ordered to Marine Air Station Miramar, where he served with Marine Aircraft Group 46 as an Administrative Specialist. He transferred to Inspector Instructor Staff, 3d Battalion, 14th Marines in March 2000.
In June 2003, Sergeant Major Melendez reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, CA as a student. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, he was assigned to Company M, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, where he held the Billets of Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.
In October 2005, Sergeant Major Melendez was selected to the Instructor Staff, Drill Instructor School. While with Drill Instructor School, Sergeant Major Melendez held the billets of Squad and Basic Warrior Training Instructor. Upon his promotion to Gunnery Sergeant in May 2006 he transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA for duty as Sergeant Instructor and Platoon Sergeant, Officer Candidate School.
In September 2006, Sergeant Major Melendez was assigned to the Commandant of the Marine Corps Protocol Office, HQMC where he served as the aide for the 15th Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps. In 2007, Sergeant Major Melendez was again transferred within HQMC to serve this time as the assistant Monitor for the 8999, First Sergeant/Sergeant Major.
In February 2009, Sergeant Major Melendez transferred to VMFA-314 where he served as the Administrative Chief. Upon his promotion to First Sergeant in December 2009, he transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA for service with 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division as the Company First Sergeant for Company K.
In September 2011, Sergeant Major Melendez was assigned to Company K, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD San Diego, CA as the Company First Sergeant. In June 2013, Sergeant Major Melendez was assigned to Special Training Company, Support Battalion as the Company First Sergeant.
In June 2014, Sergeant Major Melendez was reassigned to 2d Recruit Training Battalion as the Sergeant Major for 2d Recruit Training Battalion.
In November 2014, Sergeant Major Melendez transferred to 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division to serve as the Battalion Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Melendez served as the BLT 3/1 Sergeant Major and deployed with the 15th MEU.
In January 2015, Sergeant Major Melendez received orders to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 and assumed the duties as the Squadron Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Melendez’ personal awards include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold star’s in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award and the Combat Action Ribbon.