John Melia:
CLASS OF 1983
Seekonk High SchoolClass of 1983
Seekonk, MA
South Lakes High SchoolClass of 1983
Reston, VA
John's Story
Life
Executive Director's Biography
John Melia
Executive Director and Founder
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded when the Marine Corps helicopter he was riding in exploded and crashed in the seas off Somalia in 1992, John Melia suffered burns and other injuries which resulted in his medical
retirement from active duty in 1995.
Seven years later, as troops began coming home wounded from combat in Afghanistan, he recalled what it was like to arrive at a stateside hospital with nothing but the hospital gown on his back. With his wife and two daughters, John started delivering backpacks filled with toiletries, clothing items, CDs and other comfort items to hospitalized troops injured in Afghanistan.
That was 2002 and the start of the Wounded Warrior Project. But John, who also served during the Persian Gulf War, had lots of veterans among his friends, and many wanted to get involved. The impetus grew further as America became involved in Iraq. ÂWe all realized that there was nobody uniquely focused on this generation of veterans.Â
What John describes as Âone wounded guy helping another has evolved into AmericaÂs foremost advocate for those who come home with physical, psychological and spiritual wounds fr...Expand for more
om todayÂs wars. The backpack program is still there. But under JohnÂs direction, WWP provides powerful rehabilitation opportunities that help wounded troops rebuild their strength, their confidence, and their lives. Under a partnership John and others forged with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, WWP representatives provide expert representation to our nationÂs newest disabled veterans as they file claims for benefits from the government they served.
A native of Seekonk, Mass., John served as an Infantry Corporal with 1st Marine Division. He holds a number of military decorations including the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Achievement Medal. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York in 1994.
The Wounded Warrior Project was not JohnÂs first venture in the world of veteranÂs advocacy. In 1996, he worked as a national service officer and national appeals officer with the Disabled American Veterans, supervising the DAVÂs Roanoke, Va., office for a time. He also worked as a senior national service officer for the Paralyzed Veterans of America and as a rating specialist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
He and his wife, Julie, have two children, Miranda and Cassandra.
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