Fire Controlman Chief Jeffrey S. Melton, originally of Rocky Mount, retired from the Navy July 31 after 20 years of active duty service.
Melton and his wife, Casey, have two children, Grayson and Gavin.
Melton was awarded several personal awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Medal and Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia).
After attending Chowan College and N.C. State University, Melton enlisted in the Navy in 1989. After graduation from “A” School, Melton served through Desert Shield and Desert Storm while onboard USS Biddle. Melton also served on the USS Monterey and USS Gonzalez. While on shore duty, Melton served as a recruiter, where he excelled. He received five Navy Achievement Medals, Minority Recruiter of the Year, Upper Mental Group Recruiter of the Year, the Centurion Award for writing 100 new contracts and Large Recruiting Station of the Nation.
In 2000, after Melton was promoted to chief petty officer, he took over as a Station Recruiter-in-Charge for NRS Asheboro and then NRS Concord, where he received his final Gold Wreath Award, his 18th.
In spring of 2007, Melton received his last orders to instruct at Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC).