Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors Army Veteran Melvin Gatewood. Both Melvin and his Brother wanted to serve their country so they both joined the Mississippi National Guard. Melvin was wounded in an attack on April 19, 2005 when the Humvee he was driving flipped and caught fire. He suffered burns to his hands and back, another soldier died. Despite his injuries, Melvin rescued the other wounded soldiers from the Humvee and received a Purple Heart for his actions. Melvin is the East Region and National Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year award winner. He was surprised to get a special congratulations from actor Mark Wahlberg who said, “Based on your leadership, dedication, and impact with your community and to the fellow Wounded Warrior Project alumni you have been selected as the inaugural Rusty Baggett Peer Award recipient, Congratulations!.” Yes, Congratulations Melvin and THANK YOU for your service.
The Star Spangled Salute is presented by
