Command Sergeant Major Christopher B. Melendez is from Salix, Pennsylvania, where he initially joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2000 as a Combat Engineer. He transferred to the Regular Army in 2002 and subsequently reclassified to Cavalry Scout in 2004. In 2007, he was selected to attend the Civil Affairs Qualification Course from which he graduated in 2008.
CSM Melendez’s duty stations include Fort Stewart (2002-2004), Fort Cavazos (2004-2007), Fort Liberty (2007-2020, 2023-2024), and Fort Shafter (2020-2023). Prior to his arrival at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, he was the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations) (Airborne). He has previous experience at U.S. Army Pacific where he was both the G9 and G37 Sergeant Major.
CSM Melendez’s operational deployments include Operation Desert Spring (Kuwait, 2002-2003), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003, 2005-2006), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2009-2010), Operation Enduring Freedom – Caribbean and Central America (Guyana, 2011), and Colombia (2017).
His awards and decorations include the Combat Action badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, German and Chilean Parachutists Badges, the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (6th award), Army Achievement Medal (8th award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
CSM Melendez is a Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Joint SOF Senior Enlisted Academy and graduate of the Sergeant Major Academy, and has completed the Garrison and Brigade Pre-Command Courses. He also completed the USASOC Jumpmaster Course, SERE-C High-Risk, Unconventional Warfare Operational Design Course, Small Group Instructor Training Course, Basic Instructor Training, and the Military History Instructor Course. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University (2019), a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University (2014), and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College (2013).
CSM Melendez has been married to his wife, Amy, for more than 20 years, and they are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters.