Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran and former Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting volunteer, Melanie Silva. Melanie served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2005 to March 2006.

Originally from Laguna, New Mexico, Melanie comes from a military family. Her father served in the Marine Corps for more than 25 years. After Melanie spent her high school years participating in JROTC, she decided to join the Marine Corps, following in her father’s footsteps.

Melanie was deployed from August 2005 until March 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her favorite memory from her service abroad was when she was promoted to corporal. Her father was also deployed in Iraq at a different location. However, he had the opportunity to pin her corporal chevrons. Melanie received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her service.

Today, Melanie continues her career in public service by working as a legal administrative specialist with the Department of Veteran Affairs. “I help Veterans and their families with benefits to include service-connected disabilities, non-service connected pension and education,” she said. Melanie also serves as the community director for Team Red, White and Blue, which aids Veterans by connecting them to the community through physical and social activity.

We thank you for you service, Melanie!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.


Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

2 Comments

  1. Sandra Winfrey November 24, 2017 at 12:21

    All this is great,however, I have been waiting over 3 years to get dental work from the west la vamc to no avail and they will not approve outside care even as an offset so I walk around like teeth less even while seeking work.

  2. William Karp November 24, 2017 at 10:22

    Every person that has served in the military should be “Veteran of the Day” God Bless the men and women that serve!
    William Karp
    “Been There Done That Veteran”
    Vietnam Combat Medic ’67-’68

Comments are closed.

More Stories