Sergeant Melvin Gatewood (RET), an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is the Co-Founder and President of Operation Continue Service. Currently serving as a peer support specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, Gatewood has dedicated his life to supporting the military and veteran communities. His mission is twofold: to honor fallen service members and to provide vital support to active-duty personnel and veterans struggling with mental health challenges.
 

Melvin's commitment to service was inspired by his family. Raised in a household deeply passionate about helping others, his mother worked as a social worker, and his grandmother volunteered at a nursing home. Melvin would often accompany her, observing her selfless care for the elderly, even those she didn't know. These early experiences shaped his dedication to service and compassion for others.

Outside of his work with Operation Continue Service, Melvin volunteers with the Wounded Warrior Project, serving as a peer support group leader. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason. 
 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Gatewood was named the 2023 National Peer Specialist of the Year out of nearly 1,400 peer support staff within the Veterans Health Administration. He was also honored with the inaugural Wounded Warrior Project Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year Award in 2021. In addition, Gatewood was invited to attend Super Bowl LVI by DeAndre Hopkins, USAA, and the Wounded Warrior Project. His dedication has earned him recognition from the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the Tennessee Titans for serving the veteran and military communities.