Patrick, Melissa [Army]

Melissa Patrick spent 28 years in Army Intelligence — from being the first woman in an ROTC classroom at VMI in 1975, to earning master parachutist wings while afraid of heights, to leading NATO intelligence in Afghanistan. After retiring as a Colonel, her civilian work analyzing vehicle attacks led directly to the MRAP decision that saved American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now she runs a VFW district and a charity bike ride that's raised nearly $300K for combat veterans. She almost didn't think she had a story. She was wrong.CONNECT & SUPPORT:10th Annual Ride — September 12, 2026 (25th Anniversary of 9/11)Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes: https://valleyvetsrideforheroes.com/Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ValleyVeteransRideForHeroesValley Veterans Ride for Heroes (Email): [email protected] Crest Foundation: https://bouldercrest.org/Goal: $50,000 for combat veterans dealing with PTSDSALUTE of VirginiaWebsite: https://saluteofvirginia.org/Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/giveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/Nominate a veteran to be interviewed: [email protected] this episode moved you, please leave a rating and review — it helps other listeners find these stories.Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/15536490/join CREDITS:Hosted by John Fairbanks and Zach HaleA production of SALUTE of Virginia (501(c)(3))