My name is Master Sergeant Melvin D. Rascoe, United States Army, Retired. My journey of service began in 1972 when I volunteered to serve during the Vietnam Era. I completed basic training as an 11D Cavalry Scout at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I was then assigned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, where I quickly developed a deep love for the Army and for serving my country.
Throughout my military career, I was fortunate to serve alongside outstanding soldiers and leaders who shaped the person and leader I would become. In 1974, I was assigned to Germany with CSC, 2/13th Infantry in Mannheim. There, I developed strong leadership skills under the guidance of exceptional leaders who taught me not only how to be a better soldier, but also the importance of humility and humanity. I also had the opportunity to experience German culture, learn about the language, and build relationships with the local community.
In 1976, I was reassigned to the 3/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. I was promoted to Sergeant and became a track commander responsible for leading a squad of 10 soldiers. This was the leadership opportunity I had worked toward, and I was grateful for the preparation my previous leaders had provided. After five years as a Cavalry Scout, I decided to broaden my knowledge and reenlisted under a new military occupational specialty as a 76J Medical Supply Specialist.
My transition into medical logistics opened an entirely new chapter in my career. I served at Keller Army Hospital at West Point, New York, where I learned the complexities of medical logistics. I later served with the 6th Medical Supply, Optical, and Maintenance Battalion in Seoul, South Korea, supporting medical logistics operations throughout South Korea. Working alongside Korean nationals, KATUSAs, and fellow soldiers was an experience I will always remember. These assignments taught me how to adapt, lead, and succeed in environments very different from those I had previously experienced.
In 1981, I moved to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where I learned much of what would become the foundation of my logistics expertise. I was fortunate to work alongside some of the Army’s brightest logisticians and leaders, all of whom were willing to teach and challenge me. In 1984, I was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served as a Full-Time Manning Specialist with the 486th Medical Detachment in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1986, I was promoted to Sergeant First Class and assigned to USA MEDDAC at Fort Meade, Maryland. I began as the Senior Medical Sergeant and later became the NCOIC of the Logistics Division, overseeing soldiers and multiple departments, including warehouse operations.
While stationed at Fort Meade, I met my wife, Benita. We married in 1988, and together we raised two sons, Sean and Brandon. Benita dedicated 30 years to teaching, primarily in Maryland. Our family has experienced both tremendous joy and profound loss. Our oldest son, Sean, was tragically killed in an accident while attending college. His loss left an immeasurable hole in our family, and he remains deeply loved and missed. Our younger son, Brandon, is an Air Force veteran who served three years on active duty and continues to serve in the Air National Guard. He and his wife, Katerine, have a daughter, Zoe, who brings tremendous joy to our family.
In 1990, I was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda, Germany. This was one of the most challenging assignments of my life, particularly because my wife remained in the United States with our two young sons while continuing her teaching career. During this assignment, I served as the Headquarters Platoon/Senior Regimental Logistics Sergeant and later became the First Sergeant of the Medical Troop, responsible for approximately 95 soldiers in addition to logistics operations. I viewed these responsibilities as an opportunity to put everything I had learned throughout my career into practice. From June through September 1990, my unit deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Positive Force. During that deployment, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment experienced a catastrophic event that profoundly affected me and my soldiers. Through strong leadership and the dedication of the troops under my command, we were able to overcome that difficult experience together.
I returned to the United States in 1994 and was assigned to the 102nd Army Reserves Command at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Reuniting with my family made this one of the happiest assignments of my life. That same year, I was promoted to Master Sergeant, E-8—a significant milestone that represented the culmination of everything I had learned and accomplished throughout my Army career.
My final military assignment was with the Medical Research and Materials Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. I found the work incredibly rewarding, particularly the opportunity to support soldiers and laboratories involved in medical research around the world. After 23 years and nine months of honorable service, I retired from the United States Army with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunities my military career provided me.
My military service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, seven Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Saudi Arabia/Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Defense of Saudi Arabia Medal, the Southwest Asia Cease-Fire Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, three Overseas Service Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Marksmanship Badge, and numerous letters of achievement and commendation. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, University College, and an Associate of Science degree from Vincennes University.
My commitment to serving others continued after my military retirement. In 1997, I began my civilian career with the State of Maryland as a Veteran Representative, where I helped veterans improve their employment prospects by teaching resume-writing and job-search techniques. After three years, I became Chief of Logistics Services for a major Baltimore-area hospital. I later served as a Supply Manager for a surgical center in Frederick, Maryland, where I gained valuable experience in surgical supply operations and logistics. When the surgical center closed in 2006, I continued my career as a Logistics Manager with the National Institutes of Health, a position I held for seven and a half years.
In 2013, after a long and rewarding career, I retired from the workforce to focus on my health. Today, I remain grateful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped my life. My military service taught me the importance of leadership, perseverance, humility, and service to others. Those values continue to guide me.
I am also deeply grateful to DOVE for supporting me in my search for a living kidney donor. I have given many years of my life in service to my country, and I am now asking fellow veterans and others who are in good health to consider giving another gift of service, the gift of life through living kidney donation. My blood type is A+. I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to consider my story and learn more about my journey.
We need you to help us support Melvin. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.