Captain Mel Levey, Featured Speaker, Catholic Professional and Business Club in Merced

U. S. Army Captain Mel Levey, '03, was the featured speaker at the April Catholic Professional and Business Club of Merced's luncheon at St. Patrick's Parish Hall. Captain Mel Levey shared his faith story on Empathy, Compassion, and Commitment to a group of family, friends, business professionals and parishioners.

Since graduating from CCHS, Mel attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. While there he majored in American Politics and studied an Electrical Engineering tract. Mel graduated from West Point in May of 2007 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Mel attended several months of training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Knox, Kentucky before reporting to his first duty assignment with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia in February of 2088. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment and joined them in Iraq in April 2008.

Mel's second deployment to Iraq was in October, 2009. Mel served as the Executive Officer and second –in –command for a company of 250 soldiers. Once established in Kirkuk, Mel was responsible for overseeing the construction of a security checkpoint manned continuously by Iraqi Police and American Soldiers. During the national elections in March, 2010 maneuvers included securing the voting ballots and precluding attacks on polling sites. Appointed the chief logistical officer for his battalion of 900 soldiers several months prior to deployment, Mel planned the movement of 1-30 IN back to Georgia and returned with them in late October, 2010. He has recently been assigned to a Military Entrance Processing Station in San Diego.

Captain Levey's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Army Commendation Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Captain Mel Levey, '03, is pictured with his senior English teacher, Mrs. Susan Dillon.