Mel was inducted into the SAR and Freedom Chapter in 2013. He was elected Freedom Chapter Secretary in 2015, served two years, and served as President of the Chapter for three years, from 2017 until 2020.
He was a volunteer at the 2018 National SAR Convention in Houston, while participating at his first National Congress. He has been involved in the Orations contest, at the Chapter and Region levels.
Membership recruitment and retention were priorities as Chapter President. Other service contributions included JROTC presentations, promoting the Eagle Scout program, and encouraging Color Guard participation.
His Color Guard Service has allowed him to qualify for the Galvez Bronze and Silver Medals.
Mel currently serves as the President Elect of Texas SAR, and Adjutant for the Color Guard. He has been District 8 Vice President and served three terms as State Secretary. He was awarded the Patriot Medal in 2021.
Mel is a Partner in a small Masonry Construction company in Houston, having entered the Masonry Industry as an apprentice Bricklayer in 1975, and active in local and state Masonry Industry groups, and Employer’s Associations.
He is also a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Oak Ridge North, a member of the Safety Committee at Grace Crossing Church, and a Board Member for the New Danville Community in Willis, Texas.
He is also a 40 year Member and Past Master of the Humble Masonic Lodge #979, in Humble Texas, where he grew up.