PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — After more than two decades of service, Master Gunnery Sgt. Patrick A. Melugin is retiring from the United States Marine Corps.
Born in Dallas, Texas, in April 1977, Melugin graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1995. A few months later, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, heading off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif. After graduation, he completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Cannoneer Course at Ft. Sill, Okla.
Melugin's career is a testament to his dedication and leadership. His first assignment was with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He completed two deployments to Okinawa, Japan, and climbed the ranks to Lance Corporal and Corporal.
In October 1998, Corporal Melugin attended the Marine Security Guard School in Quantico, Virginia. This led to assignments in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Nassau, Bahamas, and Havana, Cuba, where he earned a promotion to Sergeant.
He continued to shine with assignments at Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Melugin was promoted to Staff Sergeant and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His leadership roles expanded as he served on Inspector Instructor Duty in Grand Prairie, Texas, and later at Battery T, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in Camp Pendleton, California, where he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
In June 2010, Gunnery Sgt. Melugin took on the role of Course Chief for the Marine Corps Cannon Crewman Advanced Course at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and was later promoted to Master Sergeant. His expertise and dedication led him to serve as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Artillery Training School at 10th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC, and as the Battalion Field Artillery Chief at 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines.
Promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant, Melugin continued to serve with distinction at 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines and the 14th Marine Regiment. His current role is the Senior Artillery Systems Specialist for the M777 Program Office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, where he has played a crucial part in rebuilding the Arsenal of Democracy.
Melugin's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, and Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
In addition to his military achievements, Melugin is a devoted family man. He is married to Francia, and together they have one son, Liam, and two daughters, Mia and Sophia.
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As he transitions to civilian life, Melugin leaves behind a legacy of leadership and dedication. His contributions have not only strengthened military operational readiness but also set the standard for future warfighters.
Congratulations to Master Gunnery Sgt. Patrick A. Melugin on his well-deserved retirement!
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