Sergeant First Class Receives Master Sergeant Promotion

By Ms. Lisa L Morris (Army Medicine)April 5, 2015

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Master Sgt. Melvin D. Milton reenlisted in the U.S. Army at a ceremony March 13 where he received a promotion from sergeant first class.

Milton, from San Diego, California, has served in the Army for 15 years. He began his career as a combat medic at Fort Benning, Georgia with the 3rd Infantry Division. Having had the opportunities to serve in both field and non-field environments throughout the course of his career, Milton has proven himself as a versatile Soldier.

Currently serving as the operations non-commissioned officer for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Milton attributes a large part of his success to his Soldiers.

"I'm humbled by this promotion. Promotions are good for the potential, but you don't ever get here alone, so you always have to give thanks to the Soldiers who do a lot of the work for you and to your mentors," said Milton. "A promotion is for you, but it's more of a team effort."

Milton prefers to serve in combat settings despite their challenges because they offer him a level of discipline not found in other situations.

His most rewarding experiences to date involve the lives of his Soldiers.

"It's most fulfilling for me to see my Soldiers succeed, get promoted, have healthy families -- to see them getting degrees and just setting them up for the future," said Milton.

Milton, his wife and their three children approach the two-year mark at Fort Detrick.