Today we’d like to introduce you to Melvin Gatewood.
Hi Melvin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Melvin Gatewood is a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, and the co-founder of Operation Continue Service, a nonprofit organization committed to remembering fallen military personnel and supporting the veteran community. With over 15 years of federal service, Melvin currently serves as a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, Tennessee, where he works in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Clinic.
In 2023, Melvin was honored as the Veterans Health Administration’s National Peer Specialist of the Year, a reflection of his dedication to veteran care and advocacy. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Columbus, Mississippi. His military journey began in high school when he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
On April 19, 2005, while deployed in Iraq, Melvin was seriously injured during a convoy mission when his vehicle was struck by an IED. Despite the severity of his injuries, he defied the expectations of medical professionals and made a remarkable recovery. In 2016, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Strayer University in 2019.
Melvin’s bravery and continued service have earned him numerous accolades, including the Purple Heart, and special recognition by the Mississippi Legislature for his heroism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was named the 12th Titan by the Tennessee Titans for his advocacy efforts and received the inaugural Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year Award from the Wounded Warrior Project in 2021. His story of perseverance led to recognition from several prominent organizations, including USAA, the Wounded Warrior Project, and NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, who selected Melvin to attend Super Bowl LVI. He has also been honored as the Military Hero of the Game by Navy Federal Credit Union and the Nashville Predators during the 2022 Stadium Series.
Melvin currently volunteers as a Peer Support Group Leader with the Wounded Warrior Project in Nashville. His passion for serving others led him to create Operation Continue Service in 2021, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on continued community service through initiatives such as memorial rucks, recovery rucks, and veteran coffee socials.
Rucking, a military term for walking with a weighted pack, is used by OCS to raise awareness. Memorial rucks honor fallen service members, while recovery rucks spotlight veteran suicide prevention and mental health recovery—symbolizing the weight veterans carry during and after service. Veteran socials offer opportunities for camaraderie and connection with local, state, and federal resources. OCS aims to expand these initiatives across Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi by partnering with community stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Melvin aspires to take recovery rucks nationwide, spreading hope and unity among veterans and communities across the country. He is actively working to secure funding for a fully equipped Outreach Van that will serve veterans in rural areas with pop-up social gatherings, suicide prevention resources, and homebound outreach.
Melvin is also a proud Prince Hall Mason and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He lives by a mission rooted in honor, service, and unwavering support for his fellow veterans.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been a smooth road it has been difficult finding financial support
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Melvin Gatewood is a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, and the co-founder of Operation Continue Service, a nonprofit organization committed to remembering fallen military personnel and supporting the veteran community. With over 15 years of federal service, Melvin currently serves as a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, Tennessee, where he works in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Clinic.
In 2023, Melvin was honored as the Veterans Health Administration’s National Peer Specialist of the Year, a reflection of his dedication to veteran care and advocacy. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Columbus, Mississippi. His military journey began in high school when he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
On April 19, 2005, while deployed in Iraq, Melvin was seriously injured during a convoy mission when his vehicle was struck by an IED. Despite the severity of his injuries, he defied the expectations of medical professionals and made a remarkable recovery. In 2016, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Strayer University in 2019.
Melvin’s bravery and continued service have earned him numerous accolades, including the Purple Heart, and special recognition by the Mississippi Legislature for his heroism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was named the 12th Titan by the Tennessee Titans for his advocacy efforts and received the inaugural Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year Award from the Wounded Warrior Project in 2021. His story of perseverance led to recognition from several prominent organizations, including USAA, the Wounded Warrior Project, and NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, who selected Melvin to attend Super Bowl LVI. He has also been honored as the Military Hero of the Game by Navy Federal Credit Union and the Nashville Predators during the 2022 Stadium Series.
Melvin currently volunteers as a Peer Support Group Leader with the Wounded Warrior Project in Nashville. His passion for serving others led him to create Operation Continue Service in 2021, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on continued community service through initiatives such as memorial rucks, recovery rucks, and veteran coffee socials.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Volunteer or help sponsor or host a veterans social gathering. Donate to help us purchase an outreach van.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melvingatewood.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVQzqZZiu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-gatewood-78958150?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
