she is far more. She is an American war hero who has triumphed over personal tragedy to achieve
greatness, World Champion status, and she has dedicated her life to chasing remarkable
accomplishments while giving back to others, particularly those who face challenges similar to her own.
Melissa graduated from the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the
United States Army. In March 2004, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Just three weeks later, a blast from
a roadside bomb struck Melissa’s Humvee causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. After enduring
numerous infections and surgeries, Melissa was medically retired from the Army. She is the first female
soldier to ever loose a limb in active combat and has been awarded both The Bronze Star Medal and the
Purple Heart.
Following her accident, sport become the road to recovery for Melissa. In April of 2008, she became the
first Iraqi War Veteran to qualify for the Beijing Paralympics. She competed in three swimming events
and was honored by her fellow Team USA athletes to be selected to carry the American flag in the closing
ceremony. After Beijing, Melissa turned to the sport of Paratriathlon and is now a three-time World
Champion. She was named USA Triathlon’s female Paratriathlete Of The Year for two consecutive years
and was twice nominated for an ESPY award.
On September 11, 2016 Melissa raced in honor of her fellow soldiers and their families who had given the
ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting America. After a grueling race, the day ended on the podium,
draped in the American Flag, as the newly crowned Paralympic Bronze Medalist.
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Monday, April 13, 2026
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM CST