November 2021 Veteran of the Month
Melissa (Rice) Marshall was born in Johnstown PA., July 1967. She graduated from Conemaugh Township Area High School in June of 1985. In November of that year, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and reported for recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. She graduated in February of 1986 and was assigned to MOS school at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany GA., for training as a Warehouseman. Upon graduation she was promoted to Private First Class, and in May of 1986 she reported to her first duty station with Supply Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd FSSG Camp Lejeune NC. While there, she was meritoriously promoted through the ranks to Corporal.
In November of 1988 she was transferred to Okinawa Japan. There, she was assigned for two years with Headquarters Company, 3rd FSSG, Camp Kinser followed by three years with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron, 1st MAW at Camp Foster. During this tour she made a lateral move to the administrative field, and was deployed to Korea in support of Operation TEAM SPIRIT, where she was promoted to Sergeant.
Upon transfer back to the United States, in December of 1993 Sergeant Marshall was assigned to the Inspector Instructor Staff in Harrisburg, PA for duty with the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), New Cumberland. While assigned to MEPS, Melissa met and married CWO4 James “Mike” Marshall (then a PN2). Upon her promotion to Staff Sergeant, she was transferred to Recruiting Station Pittsburgh, PA for assignment as the Station Admin Chief. While assigned to RS Pittsburgh she and Mike were blessed with their daughter Kaitlyn Michelle in June 1998.
In July of 1999 SSgt. Marshall received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA for duty with Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron as the Legal Officer and further assigned as the Administrative Chief/Protocol Officer for the Commander Marine Corps Air Bases West. During this tour she was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and transferred to Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Norfolk VA. During her tour with MARFORCOM she served as the Adjutant Chief and was deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force –Horn of Africa, Djibouti Africa. Upon her return from deployment, she was assigned to the Marine Liaison, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), Portsmouth, VA. Gunnery Sergeant Marshall served at the Marine Liaison NMCP until her retirement in April 2007.
During her military career, Melissa received several awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Upon her retirement she was hired as a GS-13 by the newly formed Wounded Warrior Regiment as the Officer in Charge -Wounded Warrior Detachment Portsmouth. Melissa stated that “working with the wounded warriors were the best years of her career”. “Although there were many sleepless nights, just being there through the process with the soldiers and their families was both challenging and rewarding. She served the wounded Marines and their families at NMCP for 10 years before retiring in March of 2017 when she and Mike moved to their “forever home” in the foothills of East TN. Kaitlyn was accepted to Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva NY where she studied International Relations; and she now serves as an Ensign on the U.S.S. Tortuga in Virginia Beach. Patriotism runs in the family as Melissa’s Grandfather and Sister are also service veterans.
Melissa currently lives in the Toqua neighborhood with her 4 dogs. She is an active member of the Blount County Community Church in Maryville, and hopes to facilitate a Women’s ministry there soon. She also enjoys photography and writing. She took 2nd place in a publishing contest, and hopes to have a book about “dealing with grief” published this December.
AWE has donated a $25 gift certificate in tribute to Melissa for being selected Veteran of the Month, and in gratitude for her years of service.
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