Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

When a young man or young woman graduates high school, that person should take a personal assessment of a few things. One of the biggest questions is whether he or she is mature enough to know what they plan to do or could they use some growing up before spinning one's wheels and/or spending a lot of money. Melvin Turner did just that. He realized he wasn't mature enough to continue in the academic world just yet. He wanted to see what else was out there.

He graduated from a high school in Sacramento, California. He did spin his wheels a bit, but soon found a recruiters office. In not much time, he was enroute to San Antonio, Texas and Lackland Air Force Base.

A military bus driver politely gathered the new recruits and headed to the "base". On arrival, the welcome committee, led by a Sergeant Van, made sure the recent arrivals were comfy. The Sergeant was less than five-foot three, slender and "tough as nails", as they say. The Sergeant was creative with the English language and knew quite a bit about the right environment for a training flight. Everything the recruits already knew was re-taught...how to make a bed, how to shine shoes, how to store ones clothing, how to shave, how to clean, and was now demonstrated with enthusiasm over a short period of time.

The initial formations got the men to the clothing issue point and later, the barber shop. Melvin was lucky in that each article of clothing fit. Next they were off to their living quarters. They lived on the top floor of a four story building. The placement is nice for viewing but not so hot for immediate formations. The young men did the usual stuff of building security and KP.

Melvin had a little difficulty with anger management. He was the "day-room queen" for a particular day. He was responsible for the day room being clean...real clean. Someone had placed a magazine under the cushion of a sofa. Melvin figured out who did this heinous crime and an argument ensued...the disturbance resulted in Melvin being set back a week in the course of instruction. This was a costly lesson but very memorable in keeping one's cool!

After graduating basic training, Melvin was sent on to the school of the specialty he signed up for. The school, Security Police, was just a few blocks from where basic training took place, at Lackland Air Force Base.

The course of learning involved essential law enforcement training with regard to traffic stops, investigations, and dealing with troubled people, etc. It also covered conduct of security measures for government property. Melvin worked on the law enforcement end of things. Melvin got promoted to Airman after ten months in the Air Force.

Melvin's first assignment was to Maxwell AFB, near Birmingham, AL. So now, he has a skill, a place of duty, living quarters, all the things needed to start out a career. He also learned how important the first impression is for a law enforcement official. He developed expertise in having highly shined boots, an impeccable uniform, and a great attitude.

He began moving around the world serving in various Air Force Installations. Promotions and recognition followed this hard worker as he committed himself to his work. While serving in England, he was promoted to Senior Airman. He served in Saudi Arabia, and at Aviano, Italy in support of operations in Kosovo.

During the Kosovo piece, an incident occurred. Installation Airmen were working on attaching a 500 pound bomb to an aircraft. The bomb fell a few short feet to the tarmac (probably didn't need much?) Everyone in the area began running away from the bomb but the Security Forces didn't know what was going on. The emergency response teams had to respond and act on arrival. The ramifications of all this caused this young Senior Airman to consider all the different levels of "what if". His main lesson learned was that taking care of people was critical and that following up on that matter was now part of his plan moving forward.

Each of the Armed Forces has built-in routes of getting promoted. Perhaps early-on, just having a pulse is enough. As one progresses through the ranks, the requirements stiffen quite a bit. Melvin knew that having college courses on his resume was important and finally, a senior mentor suggested that he "get off his duff and get into some course work". He signed up and liked it! In time, he had acquired a degree.

Melvin applied for the FBI, the US Marshall's service and the Air Force Officer program. First to respond was the US Air Force. With the degree and Officer basic, he became a 2nd Lt. The term "mustang" is applied to those who go from enlisted to officer status. And it applied to Melvin.

As a 2nd Lt, he was first assigned to an AWACS unit out of Tinker AFB. The planes are on the same aircraft frame as a KC135 but have the disc added to the top. This is an intelligence gathering operation and the planes facilitate the process. Although it was new and different, Melvin didn't care that much for it. He returned to the Security Police field and things started to gel for him.

In 2003, 1st Lt Melvin Turner gets orders for Iraq. Things are going well in his area near Kirkuk. One afternoon, the local people living near the base decide to have a protest because they didn't want the US military in their country. 1st LT Turner is in charge of the entry gate. The protesters demand to speak with the base Commander. "Now" would be fine. In time, the Commander came on scene and met with the upset people. Soon, US equipment started appearing in the area to include several armored personnel carriers with 50 cal (M2) machine guns at the ready. Overhead was an AH-64 Apache Helicopter fully loaded for "rock–and-roll. The protesters disbanded.

Melvin's tour of duty was finished after 180 days. When he returned to work, he noticed that he was different, and things were different. He thought that PTSD had become a player in his life. He never sought help for it. There is a stigma attached when one seeks help...it could affect the security clearance, one's job assignment, ones promotions, and most importantly, one's marriage. Melvin turned to his faith for stability. His faith carried him through many tough spots.

His next assignments took him to Japan, and Langley AFB near Washington DC. He was also sent to Iraq again. Similar duty, similar time span... just no protesters! He served in the Pentagon as well. As his career continued, he had to make a decision about the future. His last assignment was at F.E. Warren AFB, west of Cheyenne, WY. He was near his kids and in a great position at work. He made the decision to leave the Air Force and work at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cheyenne.

Melvin earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement medal, Unit Citation awards, the Global War on Terror both domestic and deployed, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. There were others.

Major Melvin Turner, you served your country well and continue to do so. Thank you for your service!