By Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs
White Sands Missile Range welcomed incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Jose G. Melendez to the community in late October.
WSMR welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Jose G. Melendez
White Sands Missile Range welcomed incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Jose G. Melendez to the community in late October.
Melendez said his dad served in the Army and he always wanted to serve in the Army.
Born in Germany, Melendez said he only intended to serve his initial contract, then separate from the military and attend college using his G.I. Bill.
“However, I fell in love with the culture of the Army and the sense of service to the nation and the rest is history,” Melendez said. “I reenlisted and continued my service, sitting at 25 years of service now.”
Melendez last served as the Directorate Sergeant Major for the Strategic Operations Directorate, HQDA G-3/5/7 in the Pentagon.
Melendez, who calls Lakeland, Florida home, said home is truly wherever his family is.
“I am originally from Puerto Rico, but I’ve called Florida home since we moved there when I was 12. That is where my mom and siblings all reside.”
Melendez said his goal while at WSMR is to help WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little drive culture change towards a people first approach.
“I want to build upon all the great initiatives that (outgoing) Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Prosser developed and make White Sands Missile Range a place where our Service members, Civilian employees, and their families are proud to live and work!” Melendez said. “I plan on constantly sharing all the great things our garrison team and our tenant units are doing for the Army as we modernize our force for Joint All Domain Operations. I have been thoroughly impressed by all the work our team does and it needs to be shared.”
Melendez said he has learned patience, inclusiveness, and how talented our workforce truly is from his previous military roles.
“Great leaders learn to be patient and allow subordinate leaders and their team to work through challenges in their own way. Being patient empowers subordinate leaders and helps them grow,” Melendez said. “Including every member of your team in problem solving allows for the best ideas to come forward and you can often solve issues faster and cheaper than if you just do things ‘the same way they’ve always been done’. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians, Civilians and contractors are absolutely talented and committed to the Army and our nation. I’ve been blessed to work at the tactical level all the way to the Army Staff in the Pentagon. Regardless of where I’ve been, the team around me has been incredibly talented and committed to our profession.”
Among his accomplishments, Melendez counts being a committed husband and father while serving his country to the best of his ability.
“I am blessed to have an incredible wife (we will celebrate our 22nd year Anniversary in November) and sons that support me as I serve our country. It is not easy and I am thankful for their support.”
Melendez said he is also proud that he obtained his bachelor’s degree and is three classes away from completing his master’s degree.
“Education is important and it helps you grow intellectually and develop new ways to solve problems.”
Speaking about living at WSMR, Melendez said he loves it here.
“It is absolutely beautiful! It has a small town feel and everyone is so nice. Having just moved from the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area, where it is so congested and hectic, I appreciate the space and calm way of life. The culture here is fantastic and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve here.”
Melendez said he enjoys spending time with his family.
“I am also a huge sports fan, so watching sports, especially college football is a passion. We like to go hiking as a family and explore the area. I also enjoy woodworking.”